Cleveland Guardians Win First AL Central Title Since 2018

Royals Loss to Giants Gives Guardians Division Crown

Cleveland Clinches First Place in AL Central

The Cleveland Guardians clinched the American League Central title on Saturday, September 24, 2022, when the Kansas City Royals lost to the San Francisco Giants 5-4. The Guardians' victory, coupled with the Royals' loss, gave Cleveland an insurmountable 11-game lead in the division with just nine games remaining in the regular season.

It is the Guardians' first AL Central title since 2018 and the franchise's first since changing its name from the Indians in 2022. The Guardians are now 87-68 this season, the best record in the AL Central.

The Guardians' victory was a team effort. Amed Rosario hit a two-run homer in the first inning, and Jose Ramirez added a solo shot in the third. Shane Bieber pitched six innings, allowing just two runs on four hits. The bullpen then held the Giants scoreless over the final three innings.

The Royals' loss was a tough one. They led 4-2 going into the bottom of the ninth inning, but the Giants rallied for three runs to win the game. The loss dropped the Royals to 64-91 this season.

The Guardians will now face the Tampa Bay Rays in the AL Wild Card Series. Game 1 of the best-of-three series will be played on Friday, September 30, in St. Petersburg, Florida.