MLB Series Showdown
Guardians and Pirates Battle in Series Finale With Wild Card Spot on the Line
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The Cleveland Guardians and Pittsburgh Pirates close out their three-game series Sunday in Northeast Ohio, with Pittsburgh riding a four-game winning streak. The Guardians kept the Pirates from a doubleheader sweep Saturday, rallying for a 5-3 win after being just five outs away from defeat, according to CBS Sports.
All-Star second baseman Travis Bazzana delivered the key blow with a late home run to spark the comeback. But Pittsburgh also took the opener 7-1, keeping its wild-card hopes very much alive, Kansas City Star reported.
Bazzana Homer Spoils Pirates' Sweep Bid
Pittsburgh had the Guardians on the ropes in Game 2 of Saturday's doubleheader. The Pirates were just five outs from completing a sweep. Then Bazzana stepped up and changed everything with one swing, according to Macon.com.
The final score was 5-3 in Cleveland's favor. The rally denied Pittsburgh a chance to jump into a tie for the final National League wild-card spot. Despite the loss, the Pirates still extended their winning streak to four games thanks to the Game 1 blowout, Bradenton Herald noted.
Paul Skenes Takes the Mound for Sunday's Finale
Pittsburgh sends star right-hander Paul Skenes to the hill Sunday. Skenes carries an 8-8 record and a 3.57 ERA into the start, per Star-Telegram. He is one of the most talked-about young arms in baseball this season.
Cleveland will counter with left-hander Joey Cantillo, who sits at 8-4 with a 3.56 ERA. The pitching matchup sets up a strong finish to the series, with both starters giving their teams a real shot to win, Sacramento Bee reported.
Pirates' Wild-Card Push Fuels Team Excitement
Pittsburgh is chasing the final National League wild-card spot. Every win matters. A sweep Saturday would have pulled them into a tie, so Sunday's game carries extra weight, according to Idaho Statesman.
Pirates pitcher Jared Jones captured the mood in the clubhouse after the doubleheader. He said the group is becoming a "very, very fun team to watch." The Pirates have now won four straight, and the energy around the team is clearly building, Tri-City Herald reported.
What to Watch as Series Wraps Up Sunday
Sunday's game is an afternoon contest. Both teams have something to prove. Cleveland wants to take the series after dropping Game 1. Pittsburgh wants to leave Northeast Ohio with at least a split — or better, The Olympian noted.
The Skenes vs. Cantillo matchup gives fans two quality starters. Pittsburgh needs wins down the stretch to stay in wild-card contention. Cleveland, already a strong American League club, wants to keep its momentum rolling, Myrtle Beach Online reported.
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