Progressive Field buzzed with energy Thursday night as Austin Hedges stepped into the batter’s box during the seventh inning.
Runners occupied the corners with one out when the home crowd broke into a spirited “Hedgey, Hedgey” chant.
Hedges delivered exactly what Cleveland needed, sending a sacrifice fly to center field that plated an insurance run in what became a 9-4 victory over the Miami Marlins.
The win marked the fifth consecutive series victory for the Cleveland Guardians, extending their best stretch of baseball this season.
Following the game, Hedges reflected on his role with the team and the growing fan support throughout their recent hot streak.
“I’m just here to win, that’s why I love being in Cleveland. I love these fans, and everyone’s here to win ballgames, and we’re trying to bring a World Series championship home to Cleveland,” Hedges said. “That fired me up. I appreciate all the fans here. I love each and every one of them, and they keep me going.”
Austin Hedges: Man of the people.#GuardsBall | #GuardiWins pic.twitter.com/0vy9462IJF
— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) August 15, 2025
Cleveland has now captured five straight series in a single season for the first time since September 16 through October 5, 2022.
That previous run helped close out their regular season and secured a postseason berth.
The Guardians have transformed their season since ending a brutal 10-game losing streak on July 7.
They own the American League’s best record at 23-9 since that date, climbing to 63-57 overall.
Thursday’s victory positioned Cleveland just a half-game behind the idle New York Yankees for the final AL Wild Card spot.
They trail the Seattle Mariners by two games for the top Wild Card position.
In the AL Central division race, the Guardians sit 6½ games behind first-place Detroit after the Tigers defeated Minnesota on Thursday.
NEXT: Guardians Announce Start Of Rehab Assignment For John Means
