Steven Kwan's clutch hit and a dominant bullpen led the Guardians to a 3-2 comeback win over the Mets on Aug. 6, 2025. See how the Guards retired 14 straight!
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just another day at the office for the scorching-hot Cleveland Guardians. Down early? No problem. Facing a tough pitcher? They'll find a way. In what's becoming a familiar script, the Guards manufactured a gritty 3-2 victory over the New York Mets at Citi Field, leaning on timely hitting and an absolutely lights-out bullpen to win their sixth game in the last seven.
After allowing a single in the fourth inning, Cleveland's pitching staff retired the final 14 Mets batters in a row. Utter dominance.
The Guardians found themselves in an early 2-0 hole, but the offense refused to panic. In the fourth inning, they scratched their way back, with Kyle Manzardo and Gabriel Arias delivering back-to-back RBI singles to tie the game off Mets starter Clay Holmes. The stage was then set for Mr. Reliable, Steven Kwan, who laced the go-ahead RBI single in the seventh inning. It wasn't a loud, power-driven win; it was a classic Cleveland victory built on situational hitting and relentless pressure.
While the offense did its job, the story of the night was the bullpen's absolute suffocation of the Mets lineup. Starter Logan Allen battled for five innings, allowing just one earned run, before handing the keys to the 'pen. From there, it was game over. Matt Festa (W, 3-2) was perfect, striking out two, and Cade Smith worked a 1-2-3 ninth for his fourth save, showcasing the lockdown unit that has become the backbone of this team's recent surge.
The win wasn't without a tense moment, as right fielder Daniel Schneemann had to leave the game in the eighth after being plunked on the hand and forearm. Thankfully, the collective sigh of relief from Cleveland fans could be heard from Queens, as manager Stephen Vogt confirmed postgame that X-rays were negative and Schneemann is considered day-to-day. With that scare averted, all eyes turn to Wednesday's finale. The Guardians will send Gavin Williams (6-4, 3.33 ERA) to the mound with a broom in hand, looking to complete the three-game sweep against Mets lefty David Peterson (7-4, 2.83 ERA).
This team just keeps finding ways to win. They're playing with confidence, grit, and the backing of one of the best bullpens in baseball. Sitting at 58-55, the Guardians are not just surviving; they're thriving. Tune in tomorrow afternoon to see if Gavin Williams can finish the job and bring a sweep back to Cleveland.
