Walk-Off HR Ends Record-Setting Scoreless Marathon In Cleveland

Entering the 15th inning, the Cleveland Guardians and Tampa Bay Rays had set a major league record for the longest scoreless postseason game in major league history at 14 innings. So with the record in the books, the Guardians must have figured it was time to end this thing. And rookie Oscar Gonzalez provided the walk-off fireworks with the only run of the game. 

OSCAR GONZALEZ WALK-OFF HOMER IN THE 15th! #POSTSEASON pic.twitter.com/bVpy55LKXz

— MLB (@MLB) October 8, 2022

The Guardians are the youngest team in the majors, and one of their rookies, Gonzalez, is the man who puts them into the Division Series. The 1-0 win gives Cleveland a 2-0 sweep of the Wild Card Series and sends the Rays home much earlier than they had envisioned at the start of the season. 

The Gonzalez series-winner came off of former Cleveland pitcher Corey Kluber, who hasn't exactly proven adept in elimination moments in the past at Progressive Field (formerly Jacobs Field).

Kluber when facing postseason elimination at The Jake: 9.1 IP, 8 ER, 5 HR. (Game 7 of the 2016 WS, Game 5 of the 2017 DS, today) This time, it goes Cleveland's way. https://t.co/b6K2MWAHzS

— Tyler Kepner (@TylerKepner) October 8, 2022

When facing postseason elimination in Cleveland, Kluber has now pitched 9.1 innings, and surrendered 8 ER, and 5 HR. Both of his previous outings (Game 7 of the 2016 World Series, Game 5 of the 2017 Division Series) came while representing the Guardians. This time, with Kluber on the mound for the Rays, it all ends well for Cleveland. 

The Guardians will move on to face the New York Yankees in the ALDS. That begins on Tuesday. 

Photo: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports