Guardians beat White Sox 6-2 on July 12, 2025, as Kyle Manzardo's homer and José Ramírez's 3 steals led the charge. Get the full game recap and series finale preview.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when you think you have this Guardians team figured out, they reel you back in. Riding a wave of momentum that has seen them win five of their last six contests, Cleveland put on another clinic Saturday, dispatching the White Sox 6-2 thanks to a clutch homer from Kyle Manzardo and another multi-faceted masterpiece from José Ramírez.
José Ramírez was a one-man wrecking crew on Saturday, tallying an RBI single, two walks, a run scored, and three stolen bases.
The Guardians broke a 2-2 tie in the sixth inning on Saturday with a go-ahead solo shot from Kyle Manzardo, showcasing the young slugger's power. Steven Kwan continued his excellent season with two crucial RBIs, while José Ramírez did a little bit of everything to terrorize the White Sox on the basepaths. On the mound, Tanner Bibee battled through 5 2/3 innings to earn his first victory since May, and the bullpen was simply untouchable. The trio of Erik Sabrowski, Cade Smith, and Matt Festa combined for 3 1/3 perfect innings, shutting down any hope of a Chicago comeback.
All eyes now turn to Sunday's series finale at Guaranteed Rate Field. The Guardians send promising lefty Joey Cantillo (1-0, 3.79 ERA) to the mound. He'll be facing a familiar face in former Cleveland pitcher Aaron Civale, who has struggled mightily for the White Sox this season, posting a 1-6 record with a 5.17 ERA. This presents a golden opportunity for the hot Guardians lineup to secure a series victory and continue their climb back in the standings.
The good news isn't just happening on the field. The team received a major boost with the update that ace Shane Bieber threw a live BP session and could potentially return in mid to late July from his UCL tear. Infielder Gabriel Arias has also resumed baseball activities, providing more hope for future reinforcements. While Hunter Gaddis is being monitored for minor hand soreness and Nic Enright was optioned back to Columbus after his spot start, the overall health of the club is trending in a very positive direction.
Today's game isn't just about winning a series against a struggling White Sox team; it's about proving this recent hot streak is the real deal. With the offense clicking, the bullpen looking dominant, and key players like Shane Bieber potentially returning soon, the Guardians are showing signs of life. A win today would push them closer to .500 and build crucial momentum as they head into the heart of July.
