Suarez gives the Dbacks a 7-6 victory over the Guardians | News, Sports, Jobs

Cleveland’s Lane Thomas slides safely behind Arizona’s Gabriel Moreno to score in the first inning of a baseball game in Cleveland, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Sue Ogrocki)

CLEVELAND — Eugenio Suarez singled off All-Star closer Emmanuel Clase in the 10th inning to score automatic runner Corbin Carroll, lifting the Arizona Diamondbacks to a 7-6 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Monday night.

The Guardians had forced extra innings on Daniel Schneemann’s ninth-inning sacrifice fly off Ryan Thompson that drove in Bo Naylor. There were four lead changes and five ties in the wild interleague matchup.

“I felt like a proud father because I saw the whole team come together to achieve this title.” Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo said. “We were exhausted, but I wanted to hug everyone because it was a great victory.”

Joc Pederson hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning (his sixth career pinch-hit homer) off Scott Barlow to put Arizona up 6-5.

The Diamondbacks moved within one percentage point of the top NL wild-card spot and won for the 22nd time in 31 games since June 29.

“There is no way to give up on this team in any aspect, whether we are down in the first inning, in the eighth or in the ninth,” Pederson said. “We just pass the baton on to the next guy. It’s a really nice feeling when you make it happen.”

Jose Ramirez had three hits, two runs, two stolen bases and one RBI for the Guardians, who have the best record in the majors at 67-45. They also own the best home mark in baseball at 35-18.

Ketel Marte and Gabriel Moreno hit back-to-back homers off Logan Allen to start the game, the third time in franchise history Arizona has accomplished that feat. Gold Glove catcher Moreno later exited with a left groin strain and is headed to the injured list.

“I was going at high intensity and I felt a strong pull in the middle of the line (on an infield single),” Moreno said this through an interpreter. “I don’t know how long it will take because it’s the first time I’ve had this type of injury.”

Thompson (6-3) allowed one run in one inning to earn the win, while Justin Martinez earned his first save of the season. Clase (4-2) saw his eight-inning scoreless streak end with the unearned run.

Andres Gimenez also had three hits and drove in two runs, while Steven Kwan and Naylor each had two hits for Cleveland. The Guardians used eight pitchers, including Allen, who allowed two runs in five innings.

Allen took a hit to the head from Randal Grichuk in the first, but the left-hander retired the final 10 batters he faced after being recalled from Triple-A Columbus earlier in the day.

“I’d rather be up here, even if I have to take balls to the head and give up home runs.” Allen was expressionless. “All I’m trying to do is give the team a chance to win.”

TRAINERS ROOM

Guardians: Right-hander Tanner Bibee (sore right shoulder) remains on the active roster despite not pitching since July 29. The team’s ace was scheduled to play catch before the game, and manager Stephen Vogt said his next start will be determined after the session.

UNTIL NEXT TIME

Guardians right-hander Ben Lively (10-6, 3.43 ERA) pitches the middle game of the three-game series against Diamondbacks left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez, who has been on the IL since March 25 with a left shoulder strain.