Guardians clinch postseason berth in 1st year under Vogt

The Cleveland Guardians are postseason-bound.

Cleveland clinched a playoff berth with a 3-2 victory in extra innings over the Minnesota Twins on Thursday.

Andrés Giménez laced an RBI single into right field to provide the Guardians with their second consecutive walk-off victory in extra innings over the Twins.

"I like those moments," Giménez said after delivering the winning hit, according to Bally Sports Cleveland.

The Guardians join the New York Yankees and Milwaukee Brewers as the only clubs to secure spots so far.

It's been a terrific 2024 campaign for the Guardians under first-year manager Stephen Vogt, who took over coaching duties from Terry Francona. The Guardians have transformed into a better run-scoring team under Vogt, while maintaining pitching excellence.

Vogt became just the fifth manager - not including player/managers - to lead his team to a postseason appearance within two seasons of playing, according to MLB.com's Sarah Langs. He retired from playing following the 2022 season.

"Today makes it all worth it - and we're not even close to being done yet," Vogt said while celebrating in the Guardians' clubhouse.

The first-place Guardians are still working toward clinching the AL Central division and earning a higher seed in the playoffs. They sit 6.5 games ahead of the Kansas City Royals with eight games remaining.