Australian Travis Bazzana has continued his impressive rookie season with two home runs, helping Cleveland secure a crucial 7-6 win over the Chicago White Sox in its battle for a Major League Baseball play-off berth.
The Guardians have beaten the White Sox at home in their last two games, meaning they trail Chicago by just half a game in the American League Central standings.
Whoever finishes their division on top will go through to the post-season. Cleveland has topped the AL Central standings for the last two years.
Even if they finish second behind the White Sox, the Guardians are also well placed to progress with a wildcard berth.
It was the second time in his debut MLB season that Bazzana has hit two homers in a game. The first Australian number one baseball draft pick has racked up hits in his last five games.
On Wednesday (AEST), the all-star second baseman hit a solo homer in the first inning to give Cleveland a 3-0 lead.
The Guardians were 6-4 down in the bottom of the sixth when Bazzana hit another solo shot.
Brayan Rocchio ripped a two-run double with two outs in the ninth inning, scoring two runs to win the game.
The shortstop, nicknamed “Rocctember” and “Playoff Rocchio” for his late-season heroics, starred with two for three, including a walk and two runners batted in (RBIs).
Bazzana hit two for four with two RBIs.
The Guardians improved to a 77-75 record and have 10 games left in the regular season, while the White Sox are at 77-74.
AAP
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