The East already counted. The other Central already closed. This is Cleveland’s half-game.
Associated Press / Sportsnet, Wednesday 6:59 p.m. ET: Cleveland 6, Chicago 3. The Guardians sit 78–75, one-half game ahead of the White Sox 77–75. It is their first sole hold on first place in the AL Central since July 3. They dropped Monday’s opener, then took the last two. Manager Stephen Vogt: “It doesn’t mean anything yet. We’ve got a job to do for nine more games.” A half-game is not a banner.
Parker Messick (12–9) struck out eight in six innings, three runs. Cade Smith retired the last four Chicago hitters for his 37th save in 42 chances. Petey Halpin went 2-for-4 with a three-run homer in the sixth. José Ramírez had two doubles — 424 for his career, tying Nap Lajoie for second on the franchise list — and an RBI double after two walks. Jo Adell a two-run single in the third.
Fifth: Tommy Pham, activated off the IL before the game, a three-run homer, White Sox 3–2. Sixth: four Guardians runs. Halpin off Sean Newcomb’s elevated sinker with two on and two out, then Ramírez. Hagen Smith (3–2) took the loss. Cleveland is 9–7 this month. Off Thursday, then the Athletics. White Sox: Detroit on Thursday. Chicago still 1½ games up on Texas and Toronto for the last AL wild card, AP said. A wild-card cushion is not the Central.
6–3 at Wrigley already ran. 5–1 at PNC already ran. This 6–3 is Progressive Field.
What this means for you
If you needed the Braves, that file exists. If you needed the AL Central, Cleveland has a half-game, not a clinch. 6–3 is the score.
Bottom line: Guardians 6–3. Sole first. Halpin three-run shot. Smith 37th save.
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