Guardians Gear Up for Series Against Rangers Amid Playoff Push

CLEVELAND, Ohio — The Cleveland Guardians are set to kick off a crucial three-game series against the Texas Rangers at Progressive Field starting at 7:10 p.m. ET. Both teams are vying for playoff positioning as the regular season approaches its conclusion.

Entering the series, the Guardians have an impressive record of 86-73, while the Rangers hold a slightly lesser record of 80-79. Guardians’ pitcher Slade Cecconi, who has a record of 7-6 and a 4.15 ERA, is slated to start against Texas’ Jack Leiter, with a record of 9-10 and a 3.92 ERA.

This matchup comes as the Guardians have gained momentum in recent weeks. Following a 5-1 victory over the Detroit Tigers on Wednesday, the Guardians overtook the Tigers, marking the first time since April 22 that they’re in first place in the American League Central.

“We know these are work nights and school nights and the people are showing up. It’s a playoff atmosphere,” said left fielder Steven Kwan, acknowledging the significance of fan support during this crucial stretch of the season.

Indeed, the increased attendance at Progressive Field has played a pivotal role in energizing the team. Kwan added, “The crowds have been everything to us. They’re locked in on every pitch, and it’s a ton of fun.” With approximately 1.9 million fans attending games this season, the Guardians are on pace to exceed 2 million for the second straight year, last achieved in 2007 and 2008.

Meanwhile, the Tigers, who have experienced a steep decline in performance, are in a tailspin, having lost eight straight games. Manager A.J. Hinch acknowledged the team’s struggles but expressed confidence in his lineup, saying, “Our guys are ready to play.”

As the series against Texas unfolds, it holds significant implications for both teams’ postseason aspirations. The Guardians will seek to solidify their position in the AL Central, while the Rangers look to break free from their recent slump.

The crowd is expected to be electric for Friday’s opener, with a sellout anticipated. Cleveland now stands tied for the division lead and is eager to capitalize on this opportunity. As Vogt stated, “It’s felt like the playoffs because of the fans.”