Guardians beat Twins 3-2 on Aug 2, 2025, as Kyle Manzardo walks it off and José Ramírez makes history. Recap the milestone night and clutch divisional win.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Some nights just feel different. Friday night at Progressive Field was one of them. It had the electric buzz of a walk-off win, the weight of baseball history, and the promise of a bright future all rolled into one unforgettable 3-2, 10-inning victory over the Minnesota Twins. Kyle Manzardo played the hero yet again, but the echoes of the night's biggest moment—a milestone for José Ramírez—are still reverberating, just in time for a new power bat to arrive in Cleveland.
José Ramírez is the first primary third baseman in MLB history to record 275 home runs and 275 stolen bases.
For the second time this season, Kyle Manzardo sent the home crowd into a frenzy with a walk-off winner. His 10th-inning single to score a hustling Brayan Rocchio capped a tense divisional battle. But the stage was set long before the extra-inning heroics. Starter Gavin Williams was simply masterful, carving up the Twins lineup for six scoreless innings while racking up eight strikeouts. After a costly throwing error allowed Minnesota to tie it in the seventh, the bullpen locked it down, with Cade Smith earning the win after two brilliant scoreless frames. It's another display of the grit that has this team rolling at 9-5 since the All-Star break.
Long before the walk-off drama, José Ramírez etched his name into the MLB record books. After driving in Steven Kwan in the first inning, he promptly stole second base, his 275th career steal. The swipe officially placed him in the exclusive 275 home run/275 stolen base club. He's just the 17th player ever to do it, but the context is even more impressive: he's the *first* primary third baseman and only the second switch-hitter (joining the legendary Carlos Beltrán) to reach the milestone. It’s a testament to the unique blend of power, speed, and relentless hustle that has defined the career of a true Cleveland icon.
As if the night wasn't exciting enough, the Guardians are adding more firepower. The team will officially promote No. 4 prospect C.J. Kayfus for his MLB debut on Saturday. The 23-year-old first baseman/outfielder has torn up Triple-A, slashing .283/.367/.526 with 14 homers and a whopping 26 other extra-base hits in just 68 games for Columbus. His left-handed power is exactly what the lineup has been looking for, and his arrival signals the front office's commitment to pushing for the postseason now.
What a time to be a Guardians fan. A historic night for the franchise GOAT, a walk-off win delivered by a rising star, and a top power prospect set to make his debut. The momentum is palpable. All eyes now turn to Saturday's game, where Tanner Bibee will look to win his fourth straight start and we'll all get our first look at C.J. Kayfus in a Guardians uniform. The push for October is on, and it just got a whole lot more exciting.
