Guardians clinch a playoff spot again, edging the Red Sox 1-0 on Martínez homer

Cleveland Guardians secured a playoff berth for the third consecutive season, defeating Boston Red Sox 1-0 on Angel Martínez's home run in Thursday night's game. Daniel Espino pitched a single inning before Joey Cantillo took over for the remaining scoreless innings, allowing only one hit while striking out four. Martínez's 18th homer of the season came in the second inning.

Red Sox closer Cade Smith struck out all batters in the ninth inning, securing his 41st save in major league history. The Guardians have clinched an American League wild card spot and maintain a one-game lead over Chicago White Sox in the AL Central. With the division winner likely to receive the No. 2 seed and a bye in the Division Series, Chicago holds the head-to-head tiebreaker.

The Red Sox have clinched a playoff spot for the second straight season but are still vying for a better seed. Boston currently leads Chicago by three games for the second wild card position, which would secure the No. 5 seed and a best-of-three series against the No. 4 New York team. Red Sox starter Ranger Suarez surrendered one run over five innings, allowing five strikeouts.

The Red Sox center fielder Ceddanne Rafaela returned to the lineup after sitting out Wednesday's game due to right hamstring tightness. Guardians' starting pitcher Gavin Williams (14-8, 3.63 ERA) is expected to be the probable starter as Cleveland begins a three-game series in Kansas City on Friday. The Red Sox have yet to designate a starter for either game of their upcoming doubleheader against the Chicago Cubs.