José Ramírez's 20th homer and Steven Kwan's return fueled a huge comeback as the Guardians beat the Orioles 10-5 on July 22. Recap the 7-run rally.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when it looked like the Orioles might run away with it early, the Cleveland Guardians reminded everyone what they're made of. Down three runs in the first inning, the Guards didn't flinch. They clawed back, battled, and ultimately unleashed a seven-run barrage to secure a thrilling 10-5 victory at Progressive Field on Tuesday night, marking their ninth win in the last 11 games.
With his first-inning blast, José Ramírez became one of only two players in MLB with 20 homers and 20 stolen bases this season, a feat he has now accomplished for five consecutive years.
The tone was set by the Captain himself. After the Orioles jumped out to a 3-0 lead, José Ramírez stepped to the plate and did what he does best: change the game with one swing. His three-run, opposite-field homer tied the game and sent a message. But the blast was more than just a game-tying shot; it was his 20th home run of the season. This officially puts him in the exclusive 20/20 club for 2025, joining only Pete Crow-Armstrong of the Cubs. More impressively, it marks the fifth straight season Ramírez has achieved this benchmark of power and speed, a testament to his enduring status as one of the most complete and valuable players in all of baseball.
If Ramírez provided the power, Steven Kwan provided the spark. Returning to the lineup after missing three games with a nagging wrist injury, the All-Star left fielder looked like he hadn't missed a beat. In fact, he looked better than ever. Kwan was an on-base machine, reaching base in five of his six plate appearances with two singles and three walks. He set the table all night long, constantly creating pressure and opportunities for the hitters behind him. His seamless return is a massive boost for a team that relies so heavily on his ability to ignite the offense from the leadoff spot.
While the superstars grabbed the headlines, this was a total team win. After the O's retook the lead, the young bats answered the call. Bo Naylor tied the game with a solo shot in the fifth, Kyle Manzardo gave the Guards the lead for good with his own solo homer in the sixth, and Brayan Rocchio broke the game open with a clutch two-run single in the seventh. On the mound, Tanner Bibee battled. He gave up five runs (only three earned) over seven innings, but he kept Cleveland in the game and ate crucial innings, ultimately earning his second straight win. It wasn't always pretty—the team left a season-high 15 runners on base—but they found a way to plate 10 runs when it mattered.
In some minor housekeeping news, the team recalled right-handed pitcher Nic Enright from Triple-A Columbus to add a fresh arm to the bullpen. In a corresponding move, shortstop Gabriel Arias was sent to Columbus to begin a rehab assignment as he works his way back to the big league club.
With the win, the Guardians climb to 49-50, tantalizingly close to the .500 mark. This team is officially hot. With Kwan back setting the table and Ramírez delivering MVP-caliber production, the offense is clicking on all cylinders. Can they carry this momentum, clean up the runners left on base, and finally push into winning territory for good? The second half is heating up, and the Guardians look ready for the fight.
