Guardians' Kyle Manzardo's walk-off home run ends marathon rain day in amazing way
The Cleveland Guardians and Minnesota Twins faced a lengthy delay during their scheduled game due to rain, with play eventually resuming after a three-hour wait. Both teams were tied with one run each for most of the game, until Guardians' Kyle Manzardo hit a walk-off home run in the bottom of the ninth inning. This victory was particularly significant for Cleveland as it followed a substantial loss from the previous game, and it helped boost the team's morale. Manzardo's performance has been a highlight of his season, showcasing his potential as one of baseball's promising young hitters. As the Guardians continue their pursuit in the AL Central standings, Manzardo's momentum could prove crucial for future success against competitors like the Twins.
The game between the Cleveland Guardians and the Minnesota Twins was delayed by rain, pushing the start from its original 6:10 p.m. time to 9:20 p.m., causing a lengthy day at the ballpark.
Both teams struggled to score through eight and a half innings, each managing only a single run, maintaining a tight contest until the game's conclusion.
In the bottom of the ninth inning, Kyle Manzardo of the Guardians hit a decisive walk-off home run, leading his team to victory and ending the extended day on a high note.
This win was a significant rebound for the Guardians, coming after a previous game where they suffered a heavy defeat, thus providing a needed morale boost.
Manzardo's performance has been a standout of his season, marking a pivotal moment that enhances his reputation as one of the league's top young talents.
The Guardians aim to capitalize on this victory as they continue their pursuit of the AL Central title, with further opportunities to challenge the Minnesota Twins.
Maintaining this winning momentum could make the Guardians a formidable threat in their division, particularly with Manzardo emerging as a key player in their lineup.
The Cleveland Guardians and Minnesota Twins had to wait, and wait, and wait.
Their Tuesday game was slated for a 6:10 p.m. first pitch in Cleveland. Then came the rain.
An hour went by, then two, then finally a resumption at 9:20 p.m.
For eight and a half innings, each team only managed a single run.
But then in the bottom of the ninth, Guardians lefty slugger Kyle Manzardo got a hold of one.
Ballgame.
Kyle ManzardOVER #walkoff pic.twitter.com/1ycINvgcR3
— MLB (@MLB) April 30, 2025
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Manzardo was leading off the bottom of the ninth and slugged the third pitch he saw over the fence.
The Associated Press beat writer Tom Withers wrote on X: "Manzardo ends a long day at the yardo."
It was a huge bounceback for Cleveland after a double-digit loss the night before.
It's also a mojo builder, having been able to come at the end of the lengthy day at the ballpark.
Manzardo has been one of the best young hitters in baseball this season, and this gives him his marquee moment.
From here, the Guardians will chase the AL Central, and they'll have a few more chances to show the Twins how it's done in the process.
And if Manzardo carries this momentum forward, Cleveland will be that much more dangerous.
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