Guardians Come Back in 9th to Put Away Yankees in Much-Needed 3-2 Win

The Cleveland Guardians picked up a much-needed 3-2 victory over the New York Yankees Monday night at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, despite trailing 2-0 entering the ninth inning.

The Cleveland Guardians picked up a much-needed 3-2 victory over the New York Yankees Monday night at Yankee Stadium in the Bronx, despite trailing 2-0 entering the ninth inning.

The Guardians have lost their last four series, to the Miami Marlins, Colorado Rockies, Boston Red Sox and Detroit Tigers. Entering Monday, the reigning American League Central champions were 4-9 over their last 13 games.

After sleepwalking through the first eight innings, recording just one hit and no runs, the Guardians' offense came to life in the top of the ninth.

Myles Straw struck out to begin the inning. Then, Steven Kwan ripped a line drive single to center field, calling for a pitching change. Starting pitcher Domingo German's day was done at 88 pitches, allowing just two hits, one walk and zero runs.

Clay Holmes replaced German, and Holmes was unable to record a single out. The next batter, Amed Rosario, reached on a fielding error from Holmes, putting runners on first and second. Jose Ramirez singled to left field, loading the bases for Josh Naylor.

Naylor delivered, a clutch, single through the right side of the infield, scoring Kwan and Rosario and tying the game 2-2.  Aaron Boone had seen enough, and the Yankees skipper once again went to his bullpen, calling on Wandy Peralta.

Peralta walked Josh Bell, before striking out Andres Gimenez for the inning's second out. With the bases loaded and two outs, Mike Zunino drew a walk to score what would prove to be the game's winning run.

Guardians closer Emmanuel Clase entered the game in the inning's bottom half, sitting the Yankees down in order and picking up his tenth save of the season.

The win felt like it could be a turning point for a struggling Cleveland team. The Yankees, on the other hand, appear to be in danger, in last place of the American League East, as they fall to 15-15 on the season. Now, the team will be without Aaron Judge for the next ten days, at least.