John Means of the Baltimore Orioles carried a no-hit bid into the seventh inning and Anthony Santander drove in two runs to secure a 2-1 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Saturday night. The Orioles are currently leading the AL East division.
Means, a 30-year-old left-hander, was making his third start since recovering from Tommy John surgery. He allowed only one hit, a home run by Andrés Giménez, who pulled a change-up to right field. It was Cleveland’s only hit of the game.
Means allowed three baserunners in his dominant performance, with one walk, one hit batter, and Giménez’s home run. He threw a season-high 96 pitches, struck out four batters, and lasted 7 1/3 innings. This win secured a playoff spot for the Orioles, their first since 2016.
The Orioles currently hold a 1 1/2-game lead over the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL East division. With seven games remaining, they are also in contention for having the best record in the AL. Yennier Cano and Cionel Pérez, both pitchers for the Orioles, secured the victory by retiring the batters they faced.
Santander contributed to the Orioles’ win by doubling in Gunnar Henderson in the first inning and then singling home James McCann in the sixth inning. Giménez’s home run was the only time a Cleveland player got past first base.
Guardians starter Cal Quantrill had a solid performance, allowing only one run, five hits, and four walks in four innings. However, it was not enough to secure a win for Cleveland.
Cleveland rookie catcher Bo Naylor and shortstop Gabriel Arias both did not play due to injuries.
FAREWELL PERFORMANCE
The Cleveland Guardians’ home finale on Wednesday against the Cincinnati Reds will be Terry Francona’s last game as the team’s manager at Progressive Field. The team’s starting pitcher for that game will be Shane Bieber, who may also be playing his last home game for the Guardians. Bieber, the 2020 AL Cy Young winner, recently returned from an injury and pitched five innings on Friday.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Orioles pitcher Félix Bautista is uncertain for the postseason due to a right ulnar collateral ligament tear. He has not pitched since August 25. Guardians pitcher Logan Allen has been placed on the 15-day injured list due to left shoulder inflammation, ending his season after 24 starts.
UP NEXT
The Baltimore Orioles’ RHP Kyle Gibson will face the Cleveland Guardians’ RHP Triston McKenzie in the series finale on Sunday. McKenzie will be activated off the injured list for his first start since June 10th.
