Guardians beat Giants 4-2 on June 19, 2025, as Daniel Schneeman's 3-run HR off Justin Verlander clinches Cleveland's first series win in SF since 2005.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Some wins just feel different. For the first time since 2005, the Cleveland Guardians have won a series in San Francisco. And they did it in the most dramatic fashion possible on Thursday, riding a stunning three-run home run from utilityman Daniel Schneeman off a future Hall of Famer to seal a 4-2 victory over the Giants at Oracle Park.
A three-run blast from a recent call-up off Justin Verlander. That's how you break a 19-year curse.
The game's defining moment came in the sixth inning with the score knotted at 1-1. With two runners on, Daniel Schneeman, a player who wasn't even on the big-league roster a few weeks ago, stepped to the plate against Giants ace Justin Verlander. In a classic David vs. Goliath matchup, Schneeman crushed a pitch for a go-ahead, three-run homer that silenced the Oracle Park crowd. It was his second home run since his call-up and easily the biggest hit of his young career, providing the decisive margin in a hard-fought game.
While Schneeman's heroics stole the headlines, this victory was a true team win. Starter Gavin Williams was brilliant, going six strong innings and striking out seven while outdueling Giants workhorse Logan Webb. At the plate, first baseman Kyle Manzardo continued his torrid month, smacking two doubles to raise his average to .276. And, as always, the heart and soul of the team, José Ramírez, chipped in with a crucial RBI single. It was a complete performance that showed the depth and fight of this Guardians squad.
Schneeman's emergence is the latest example of the Guardians' player development pipeline bearing fruit. His versatility and timely hitting have provided a massive spark. He's not alone, either. Lefty Joey Cantillo, another recent graduate from the minors, has already contributed effectively to the big-league bullpen. The latest Baseball America update reinforces this trend, highlighting first baseman C.J. Kayfus and shortstop Kahlil Watson as prospects on the rise. The ability to supplement the roster with impactful, homegrown talent is a cornerstone of Cleveland's success.
The win pushes the Guardians to 36-35, keeping them firmly in second place in the AL Central race. The ever-reliable José Ramírez continues to pace the offense with a .319 average, 13 homers, and 35 RBI. On the back end, Emmanuel Clase shut the door with a clean ninth inning to lock down his 18th save of the season, further solidifying his status as one of baseball's elite closers.
Beating an ace and breaking a nearly two-decade-long curse in a tough ballpark is the kind of win that can galvanize a team. With contributions coming from rookies and veterans alike, the Guardians are showing they have the grit to compete. As they move on from this historic series win, the challenge is to build on this momentum and continue their push for the top of the AL Central. This team is fun, they're scrappy, and they're proving they can't be counted out.
