José Ramírez's clutch 8th-inning homer lifts the Guardians over the A's 4-3 on June 22, 2025. See how Clase and Kwan helped clinch the series win.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
In a game that felt like a microcosm of the Guardians' season—a gritty, back-and-forth affair—it was the team's superstar who delivered the final, decisive blow. José Ramírez crushed a go-ahead, two-run homer in the eighth inning Sunday, powering Cleveland to a crucial 4-3 victory over the Oakland Athletics and clinching the series.
He’s the heartbeat of our lineup. When he’s locked in, we’re tough to beat.
The Guardians found themselves in a tight spot in the series finale in West Sacramento. Starter Slade Cecconi battled through six innings, keeping the team in the game despite allowing three runs (two earned). The offense chipped away, with leadoff catalyst Steven Kwan continuing his hot hitting by going 3-for-5. But entering the eighth inning down 3-2, the Guards needed a hero. With a runner on, José Ramírez stepped to the plate and did what he does best, launching his 14th home run of the season to give Cleveland a lead they wouldn't relinquish. Matt Festa, in his first game back from the IL, pitched a perfect seventh, and Emmanuel Clase slammed the door in the ninth for his 18th save.
The game-winning blast was more than just a single moment for José Ramírez; it was a continuation of his incredible consistency. The homer extended his on-base streak to an impressive 22 games, as he inches closer to a franchise milestone. He now leads the team with both 14 home runs and 37 RBIs. 'He’s the heartbeat of our lineup,' manager Stephen Vogt said postgame. 'When he’s locked in, we’re tough to beat.' Sunday's heroics were just another reminder that as José goes, so go the Guardians.
Manager Stephen Vogt praised his team's resilience, and that spirit was on full display. The bullpen he credited for holding the lead got a significant boost with the return of Matt Festa, who was activated from the IL before the game and promptly struck out two in a scoreless inning. That on-field grit translated to post-game joy, as Steven Kwan and Andrés Giménez led a coordinated dugout dance that quickly went viral on social media, showcasing the tight-knit chemistry of a group that, as Vogt said, 'never quits.'
While the big-league club celebrated a win, the future was putting on a show in Double-A. Top outfield prospect Chase DeLauter had a monster day for the Akron RubberDucks, smashing two home runs and driving in five. DeLauter is having a spectacular June, raising his season batting average to .312 with 14 homers and 48 RBIs. His continued dominance is making a strong case for a promotion, adding another layer of excitement for Guardians fans.
With the win, the Guardians climb to 39-37, holding their ground in a tight AL Central race. This victory wasn't just another notch in the win column; it was a testament to the team's character. With the offense sparked by its leader, the bullpen getting healthier, and the future looking bright in the minors, this gritty series-clinching win feels like a potential turning point. Now, they'll look to carry this hard-fought momentum into the next series.
