Angel Martínez belts 3-run homer in the 8th, sparking Guardians’ comeback for a thrilling 7-4 win over the Dodgers.
On a thrilling night at Progressive Field, the Cleveland Guardians staged a dramatic comeback to defeat the Los Angeles Dodgers 7-4, powered by Ángel Martínez’s game-changing three-run homer in the eighth inning. Facing a talented Dodgers team and trailing 4-1 going into the late innings, the Guardians looked to mount a rally — and Martínez’s clutch swing delivered exactly that, igniting both the team and the home crowd.
Early Struggles for the Guardians
The game began with the Dodgers asserting their offensive strength early on. Starting pitcher Bobby Miller dominated the Guardians lineup through five strong innings, allowing only one run on a sacrifice fly from José Ramírez in the fourth inning. Miller’s command of the strike zone and effective mix of pitches kept Cleveland’s hitters off balance and helped Los Angeles build a 3-1 lead by the sixth inning.
Meanwhile, the Dodgers’ offense took advantage of Cleveland starter Shane Bieber’s struggles. Freddie Freeman launched a two-run homer in the fifth inning, giving Los Angeles a comfortable cushion. Mookie Betts contributed an RBI double to extend the Dodgers’ advantage to 4-1 by the seventh inning.
The Guardians Ignite the Rally
Trailing by three runs entering the seventh, the Guardians showed signs of life. Will Brennan led off with a single, followed by a one-out walk to Gabriel Arias. Veteran Carlos Santana stepped to the plate and delivered a clutch RBI single, scoring Brennan and cutting the deficit to 4-2.
The pivotal moment came in the eighth inning when the Guardians’ lineup, hungry for a comeback, came to life in spectacular fashion. After a leadoff walk by Josh Naylor and a single by David Fry, the Dodgers brought in reliever Alex Vesia to face switch-hitting infielder Ángel Martínez.
Martínez’s Heroic Homer
Martínez, who had been quiet all night with an 0-for-3 performance so far, swung decisively on a 2-1 fastball from Vesia, sending a towering three-run homer deep into right field. The ball sailed an estimated 394 feet, electrifying the crowd and flipping the momentum completely in favor of Cleveland. The homer turned a 4-2 deficit into a 5-4 lead and sparked wild celebrations in the Guardians’ dugout.
“The moment I connected, I knew it was going to be gone,” Martínez said after the game. “It felt amazing to help the team and the fans like that.”
Adding Insult to Injury: Guardians Extend the Lead
The Guardians didn’t stop there. With the Dodgers still reeling, Steven Kwan reached on a bunt single and advanced to second base on a wild pitch. José Ramírez then delivered a clutch double down the right-field line, scoring Kwan to push the lead to 6-4. Andrés Giménez capped the inning with an RBI single, making it 7-4 and putting the game out of reach for the Dodgers.
Stellar Bullpen Performance Closes the Door
The Guardians bullpen then took over, showcasing why Cleveland boasts one of the best relief corps in baseball. Matt Festa pitched a scoreless eighth inning to earn the win, while closer Emmanuel Clase recorded a clean ninth inning to secure his 11th save of the season.
Clase’s performance was particularly important given the Dodgers’ dangerous lineup. He struck out Mookie Betts for the final out, sending the Progressive Field crowd into a frenzy.
Ángel Martínez: Rising Star
Ángel Martínez’s performance was the highlight of the night. Since making his major league debut in mid-2024, Martínez has steadily built a reputation as a reliable switch hitter and a versatile infielder. His ability to deliver under pressure is becoming a defining trait, and his three-run homer against a top-tier bullpen is a clear indication of his growing confidence and potential.
Manager Stephen Vogt praised Martínez’s poise and preparation.
“He’s worked incredibly hard behind the scenes,” Vogt said. “Tonight, he showed what we’ve all been seeing in practice — a guy ready for these moments.”
Dodgers’ Struggles Late
The Dodgers, who entered the game as one of the best teams in the league, were unable to hold their lead late in the game. Manager Dave Roberts acknowledged the Guardians’ resilience but expressed frustration with his bullpen’s inability to close out the game.
“We gave them too many opportunities, and they took advantage,” Roberts said. “We have to be better in those late innings.”
Looking Ahead for the Guardians
With this win, the Guardians improved their record to 30-23, remaining competitive in the AL Central division. The victory underscored Cleveland’s strength as a team that fights until the final out and refuses to back down against formidable opponents.
The Guardians’ mix of veteran leadership and emerging young talent like Martínez gives them a balanced roster capable of exciting comebacks and sustained success.
José Ramírez summed up the team’s mentality well: “We play for each other. When one guy shines, it lifts the whole team.”
The Fan Experience
Progressive Field was electric as the Guardians overcame the Dodgers. Fans roared in approval after Martínez’s homer, showing strong support for the rising star. Social media buzzed with praise, with many fans hailing Martínez as the new face of the franchise.
“This is what Guardians baseball is all about — heart, hustle, and heroics,” one fan posted online.
Final Score Recap
- Guardians 7, Dodgers 4
- Winning Pitcher: Matt Festa (1–0)
- Losing Pitcher: Tanner Scott (0–1)
- Save: Emmanuel Clase (11)
- Home Runs: Freddie Freeman (LAD), Ángel Martínez (CLE)
