Guardians beat the Orioles 6-3 on July 22, 2025, to climb back to .500. José Ramírez's homer extends a 12-game power surge. How did they turn it around?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Remember that 10-game losing streak? It feels like a lifetime ago. After a decisive 6-3 win against the Baltimore Orioles on Tuesday night, the Cleveland Guardians are officially back at .500. For the first time since the dark days of that skid, the team has a 50-50 record, fueled by a remarkable power surge that has seen them win 10 of their last 12 games and re-enter the conversation.
The Guardians have now homered in 12 straight games, hitting 21 home runs in that span, tying for the most in MLB since July 7.
It's hard to believe this is the same team that looked lost just a few weeks ago. The 10-game losing streak was a gut punch, but the response since the All-Star break has been nothing short of spectacular. This isn't just a winning streak; it's a complete identity shift. The team is playing with confidence, and the long ball has become their new best friend. Their current 12-game home run streak is the longest for the franchise since a record-setting 20-game tear in 2021, proving this power display is historically significant.
Tuesday's win was a perfect example of the team's new formula. José Ramírez continued his torrid pace, blasting his 21st home run of the season—his seventh in the last 12 games. But the contributions came from everywhere. Angel Martínez was a sparkplug with three hits, while Kyle Manzardo and Bryan Rocchio each drove in two crucial runs. Even the small ball was on point, with Rocchio's seventh-inning sacrifice bunt providing a key insurance run. On the mound, Joey Cantillo was solid, earning the win with five innings of one-run ball, and Emmanuel Clase shut the door for his 22nd save.
While the team celebrates reaching the .500 mark, the job isn't done. The Guardians will look to win the series against the Orioles in Wednesday's finale. Slade Cecconi (5-4, 3.84 ERA) gets the ball, hoping to continue his steady season against Baltimore's Zach Eflin. On the roster front, the team made a minor move Tuesday, recalling RHP Nic Enright from Columbus while sending shortstop Gabriel Arias to the same club for a rehab assignment, a sign he's getting closer to a return. For now, all eyes are on the field as the Guards try to climb above .500 for the first time in what feels like an eternity.
Reaching .500 is a massive psychological victory, but now the real test begins: proving this surge is sustainable. With a crucial series finale on deck, the Guardians have a chance to not only win another series but to officially put their losing ways in the rearview mirror. This team is fun, they're hitting bombs, and they're fighting. You can't ask for much more than that.
