Steven Kwan Delivers Clutch RBI Single as Guardians Edge Orioles 3-2, Extend Winning Streak to Four Games in Tight Battle.

In a game that typified the grit and resilience of the 2025 Cleveland Guardians, outfielder Steven Kwan delivered a clutch RBI single in the bottom of the eighth inning to lift his team to a 3-2 victory over the Baltimore Orioles. The win marks the Guardians’ fourth straight and underscores the club’s determination to stay in the thick of the American League playoff hunt as the summer stretch intensifies.

Facing one of the American League’s more formidable offenses in the Orioles, the Guardians leaned on solid pitching, timely hitting, and an unwavering belief in their game plan. At the heart of that formula was Kwan — the soft-spoken yet ever-reliable outfielder whose bat once again proved decisive.

Kwan’s Clutch Gene on Full Display

With the game tied 2-2 in the eighth inning and Guardians runners on first and second, Orioles reliever Cionel Pérez was tasked with escaping a jam. The left-hander had worked his way through much of the Guardians’ lineup with some success, but Kwan — known for his ability to make contact and thrive in high-leverage situations — had other ideas.

After fouling off a pair of tough pitches, Kwan lined a fastball into shallow right field. The crowd at Progressive Field roared as Tyler Freeman, who had walked earlier in the inning, hustled around third and slid safely home. The Guardians bench erupted, knowing full well the importance of every win in a tightly contested AL Central.

“It was a good pitch, but I just stayed short to it,” Kwan said postgame. “That’s the situation you live for. The guys in front of me did their job getting on base, and I just wanted to do mine.”

Guardians Pitching Staff Answers the Bell

Starter Tanner Bibee gave the Guardians a strong five-inning outing, striking out six while allowing just two runs — a two-run homer by Orioles slugger Gunnar Henderson in the third inning. Aside from that one mistake, Bibee was efficient and composed, working through a dangerous Baltimore lineup with precision.

The bullpen once again proved to be a weapon for Cleveland. Sam Hentges, Nick Sandlin, and closer Emmanuel Clase combined for four scoreless innings, silencing the Orioles bats in critical moments.

Manager Stephen Vogt praised his pitchers for setting the tone.

“Bibee battled out there,” Vogt said. “That was a really good lineup we saw today, and the bullpen was lights out. Every guy who came in executed their pitches. That’s what it takes to win close games.”

Baltimore’s Missed Opportunities

The Orioles had their chances but failed to capitalize. In both the sixth and seventh innings, they left runners in scoring position, with Henderson and Anthony Santander unable to come through in key at-bats.

“We had our spots,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde admitted. “In these kinds of games, it’s about who executes late. We didn’t take advantage of our chances, and they did. That’s baseball.”

Steven Kwan: The Catalyst Cleveland Can Count On

Though not a power hitter, Kwan’s consistency, discipline at the plate, and clutch performance continue to be hallmarks of his value to Cleveland’s offense. He’s batting .312 on the year with a .383 on-base percentage — numbers that speak to his approach and value as a leadoff man and tone-setter.

“He just plays the right way,” said teammate José Ramírez. “Kwan never tries to do too much. He’s smart, calm, and always puts the team first.”

For a Guardians team still developing its offensive identity, Kwan’s stability at the top of the order is proving invaluable. His performance in high-leverage moments is beginning to earn him quiet respect across the league, even if he remains under the radar nationally.

Guardians’ Win Streak Sends a Message

This fourth straight win comes on the heels of a sweep over the struggling Tigers, and defeating the Orioles — a legitimate playoff contender — sends a message that Cleveland is more than capable of beating elite competition.

“We know what we’re capable of,” Vogt said. “We don’t need the outside noise. These guys believe in each other, and that’s showing up right now.”

With the win, the Guardians improve to 56-48, keeping pace with the AL Central-leading Minnesota Twins and building momentum heading into a crucial series against the Texas Rangers.

Tight Races, Big Implications

The AL Central has become a battlefield of attrition and streaks. Cleveland’s recent run has helped them climb back into contention, and each win is magnified in a division where no team has run away with the title.

If the Guardians hope to stay in the mix down the stretch, they’ll need more nights like this — where pitching holds firm and hitters like Kwan rise to the occasion when it matters most.

Veteran reliever Trevor Stephan summed it up perfectly: “It’s about doing the little things right every night. And right now, we’re doing just that.”

Up Next for Cleveland

The Guardians will look to continue their winning streak in the next two games against the Orioles, with Gavin Williams and Triston McKenzie scheduled to start. A series win or sweep would give Cleveland serious momentum and a psychological edge as they enter a brutal August schedule featuring games against the Yankees, Astros, and Twins.

Vogt emphasized the importance of staying locked in.

“We’re not getting ahead of ourselves. Every night is its own challenge,” he said. “But the energy is right, and guys are stepping up.”

Steven Kwan’s quiet heroics are a reflection of how the Guardians operate: disciplined, gritty, and unbothered by spotlight or expectations. In a season that has asked them to grind, adapt, and believe in the process, Thursday’s 3-2 win over the Orioles may serve as a blueprint for what lies ahead.

If Cleveland hopes to play meaningful October baseball, they’ll need more performances like Kwan’s — timely, composed, and clutch. And right now, it seems like they’re ready for that challenge.

Box Score:
Orioles – 2
Guardians – 3
Winning Pitcher: Nick Sandlin (4-2)
Losing Pitcher: Cionel Pérez (3-4)
Save: Emmanuel Clase (30)
Player of the Game: Steven Kwan – 2-for-4, game-winning RBI single

Quote of the Night:
“It’s not about being flashy — it’s about being dependable. And that’s what Steven Kwan is for us.” – Stephen Vogt