Guardians beat Cardinals 7-3 on June 28, 2025. See how Gabriel Arias and Kyle Manzardo powered a massive six-run fourth inning to secure the home victory.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
For three and a half innings, it was a tense pitcher's duel at Progressive Field. Then, the bottom of the fourth happened. In a flash, the Cleveland Guardians transformed a 1-0 deficit into a commanding lead, unleashing a six-run barrage that left the St. Louis Cardinals stunned and secured a decisive 7-3 victory on a beautiful Saturday evening.
Gabriel Arias's two-run homer traveled a monstrous 427 feet, putting an exclamation point on the Guardians' game-changing rally.
The game turned on its head in the bottom of the fourth. Down 1-0, rookie Kyle Manzardo ignited the rally by launching a solo home run to tie the game. The floodgates opened from there. Nolan Jones followed with a scorching 104-mph RBI double to give the Guards the lead. After a Lane Thomas RBI, Gabriel Arias stepped up and delivered the knockout blow: a towering two-run, 427-foot home run to center field that pushed the lead to 5-1. By the time the dust settled, Cleveland had batted around and plated six runs, effectively putting the game out of reach.
Manzardo's game-tying homer wasn't just a key play; it was another powerful example of the Guardians' organizational philosophy paying dividends. His 13th long ball of the season highlights the impact of a farm system that is the envy of baseball. With rookies like Manzardo, Brayan Rocchio, and Cade Smith already making their mark, and a system reloaded with a record $20.4 million draft investment led by No. 1 pick Travis Bazzana, the future is incredibly bright. The success of prospects like High-A MVP Cooper Ingle shows the talent runs deep, promising more waves of impact players for years to come.
While the offensive explosion grabbed the headlines, the Guardians' pitching staff quietly did its job. They held a capable Cardinals lineup to just three runs, ensuring the fourth-inning rally would stand up. The bullpen was particularly effective, shutting the door in the later innings and preventing any hope of a St. Louis comeback. It was a complete team win, showcasing the balance needed to succeed over a long season.
With the offense firing on all cylinders and a pipeline of talent continuously fueling the big-league club, the Guardians are proving they're a force to be reckoned with. This win wasn't just a single victory; it was a statement. As they look to take the series from the Cardinals, fans have every reason to be excited about the potent combination of rookie energy and veteran savvy driving this team forward.
