Brayan Rocchio’s Eighth-Inning Blast Lifts Guardians Over Tigers

Brayan Rocchio delivered a clutch go-ahead home run in the eighth inning as the Cleveland Guardians evened their American League Wild Card Series against the Detroit Tigers with a 6-1 victory in Game 2 on Wednesday.

“It was huge, a 0-2 count, and he was ready to fire,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said of Rocchio’s blast. “It was a frustrating day offensively for us. Two hits leading into the 8th. For our guys to explode and get separation felt good.”

Guardians’ Eighth-Inning Surge

Cleveland exploded for five runs in the eighth, highlighted by Rocchio’s homer and another from Bo Naylor. Daniel Schneemann added an RBI double, giving the Guardians a decisive lead.

Rocchio connected on a 99.9 mph fastball from losing pitcher Troy Melton, driving it 379 feet into right field for his second homer in three games. He previously hit a three-run drive in the 10th inning of Cleveland’s 9-8 regular-season finale victory over Texas.

“I’d been lucky to face him a couple of times in Triple-A. In these situations, you have to tone it down a little bit and keep it simple. José’s recommendation was to look for the fastball. That’s what I was trying to do,” Rocchio said through an interpreter.

Tigers Struggle With Opportunities

Detroit managed just one run despite numerous chances, going 1-for-15 with runners in scoring position and leaving 15 on base. Javier Báez had two hits and an RBI for the Tigers.

The team threatened in the ninth with bases loaded and two outs, but Cade Smith retired Dillon Dingler to secure the Guardians’ win.

“They made the most of their opportunities, and we left 15 guys on. I think that paints the picture of today,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said.

Key Performances

• George Valera: Homered in the first inning to give Cleveland an early lead.

• Rocchio: Now hitting .308 in 12 postseason games with two homers and three RBIs. His teammates have dubbed his clutch performance “Playoff Rocchio” mode.

• Cade Smith: Earned the win as the Guardians' bullpen held Detroit scoreless over 4 1/3 innings.

The winner of Game 3 on Thursday will face the Seattle Mariners in the Division Series. No team has lost Game 1 of a Wild Card Series and advanced since the expanded round began in 2022.