In a thrilling finish to their three-game series against the Washington Nationals, the Cleveland Guardians showcased their offensive prowess with an explosive sixth inning, securing an 8-6 victory on May 7, 2025. This win marked their second consecutive series triumph during a demanding two-city road trip.
The Guardians, who played three games in Washington D.C. from May 6 to May 7, accumulated a staggering 26 runs throughout the series. Their offense was particularly potent in the sixth inning of the final game, where they sent 13 men to the plate, scoring eight runs on six hits, three walks, and two wild pitches. This offensive explosion not only erased a 3-0 deficit but also set a season high for runs in a single inning.
It was a dramatic turnaround for the Guardians, who found themselves trailing after a strong start from Nationals pitcher Michael Soroka. Soroka had dominated the Guardians through five innings, striking out eight and allowing just two hits. However, the tide turned quickly in the sixth. Steven Kwan led off with a single, igniting a rally that saw the first seven Guardians hitters reach base. Carlos Santana delivered a pivotal three-run double that tied the game before Angel Martinez followed with a two-run single, putting Cleveland ahead.
“I think it’s just when we smell blood, we go, and our guys really feed off each other,” said Guardians manager Stephen Vogt. “When you put pressure on the other team’s pitcher and you constantly have baserunners, they know that they’re going to run. So when we get on base, we make really good things happen.”
The inning also featured a wild pitch that allowed Bo Naylor to score from third, and José Ramírez capped the scoring with an RBI single, bringing home Steven Kwan. The Guardians’ offense, which had been inconsistent earlier in the season, demonstrated a newfound ability to capitalize on scoring opportunities, hitting .354 in clutch situations during the series.
Logan Allen, who started for Cleveland, struggled early, giving up three runs on seven hits over four innings. However, the bullpen stepped up, with Joey Cantillo earning the win after pitching a scoreless fifth inning. Emmanuel Clase secured his eighth save of the season with a perfect ninth inning.
Cleveland’s victory came after a challenging stretch of 22 games in 23 days, which included two doubleheaders. Despite the fatigue, the Guardians managed to finish this grueling period with a commendable 14-8 record.
“It was a long stretch of games. I think a lot of us are pretty worn out,” said Guardians utility man Daniel Schneemann. “Coming out of this series, winning the series, taking the last two games is really big going into the off-day.”
The Guardians’ bats were particularly lively throughout the series, with Carlos Santana leading the charge. The veteran first baseman collected four hits during a doubleheader on May 6, including a three-run homer in the second game. Over the last five games, Santana has hit two homers and driven in six runs, proving to be a crucial asset for Cleveland.
“I know my team needs me, so I try to have fun,” Santana said. “My approach has been one day at a time, thinking one day at a time, playing hard, preparing and trying to help the team win.”
In addition to Santana, Daniel Schneemann has also been a key contributor, hitting well and providing power in the lineup. His ability to adjust to pitches has been noted by Vogt, who remarked on Schneemann’s improvement against off-speed pitches.
Despite the loss, Nationals manager Dave Martinez remained optimistic about his team’s progress, noting their recent success prior to the series against the Guardians. Washington had won four of their last six games heading into the series, and Martinez emphasized his belief in the team’s potential to compete.
Looking ahead, the Guardians will enjoy a much-needed off day on May 8 before returning home to face the Philadelphia Phillies in a three-game series starting on May 9. This homestand will be crucial for Cleveland as they aim to maintain their momentum and solidify their position in the AL Central standings, where they currently sit second with a record of 21-15.
As the Guardians prepare for their upcoming games, they will look to build on the success of their recent series against the Nationals, where their bats came alive and their pitching staff stepped up when needed most. With a blend of veteran leadership and youthful energy, Cleveland is poised to continue their strong start to the season.
“I’m really proud of our guys,” Vogt added. “We played really good baseball [this series]. Weren’t the prettiest games at times, but we found ways to win. Our guys are playing really good right now.”
