Guardians rout Reds 11-2 on June 12, 2025, as Carlos Santana hits an anniversary grand slam and Lane Thomas homers in his return. Recap the huge win.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
What a difference a day makes! The Cleveland Guardians unleashed a season-high offensive barrage on Wednesday night, dismantling the Cincinnati Reds 11-2 in a game that had everything a fan could ask for. From a nostalgic grand slam to a triumphant return from the injured list, this wasn't just a win; it was a statement that snapped the Reds' five-game winning streak and put the league on notice.
José Ramírez has now reached base safely in 37 consecutive games, the longest active streak in Major League Baseball.
You couldn't have scripted it better. On the 15th anniversary of his Major League debut, veteran slugger Carlos Santana stepped to the plate with the bases loaded in the third inning and delivered a moment of pure magic. He launched his sixth career grand slam, his eighth homer of the season, to break the game wide open. It was a poetic moment for 'Slamtana,' reminding everyone of the steady power he still brings to the heart of this lineup.
As if a grand slam wasn't enough, the Guardians got a massive jolt of energy from the newly activated Lane Thomas. Wasting no time in his return from the injured list, Thomas looked like he hadn't missed a beat. He capped off a fantastic night by blasting his first home run of the season, a three-run shot in the sixth inning that put the game completely out of reach. Thomas finished the night with three hits, three RBIs, and two runs scored, proving just how valuable his bat is to this team's success.
While the home runs grabbed the headlines, José Ramírez quietly continued his assault on the MLB and franchise record books. With a double in the contest, J-Ram extended his on-base streak to a remarkable 37 games, the longest active streak in the big leagues. But that wasn't all. The double was the 380th of his career, moving him past the legendary Earl Averill for sole possession of third place in Guardians franchise history. It's just another day at the office for one of the most consistently excellent players in the game.
With all that run support, pitcher Logan Allen had plenty of breathing room, and he used it to deliver a solid performance. The left-hander went six strong innings to earn his fourth win of the season, allowing just two runs on a pair of solo homers. While it was the first time he's allowed multiple home runs in a game this year, he buckled down to record only his second quality start of the season. It was a crucial outing that saved the bullpen and gave Allen a much-needed confidence boost.
The good news wasn't just limited to the big league club. Down on the farm, left-handed pitcher Joey Cantillo is reportedly set to rejoin the Triple-A Columbus rotation this weekend. After a stint with the Guardians earlier this season and a brief shutdown due to elbow soreness, getting Cantillo stretched back out as a starter provides valuable depth for the pitching staff down the stretch.
This 11-2 thrashing of the Reds was more than just a single victory; it was a showcase of the Guardians' potential when all cylinders are firing. With Lane Thomas back and providing instant offense, Santana finding his power stroke, and Ramírez playing like an MVP, the lineup looks deeper and more dangerous than ever. Now the challenge is to carry this explosive momentum forward and prove that this offensive outburst is the new standard, not just a one-night wonder.
