In MLB, reaching extra-innings is not that rare: sometimes, two teams are so evenly matched in a game that nine innings are not enough to break the tie.
However, reaching that instance in four consecutive games is, by definition, a rarity.
The Cleveland Guardians did it on Wednesday night in their showdown against the Houston Astros.
As a franchise, they hadn’t reached extra-innings in four straight games in more than a century.
“The Guardians are playing in their fourth consecutive extra-innings game, matching the longest such streak in franchise history. The last time this happened for Cleveland? May 1-5, 1910,” Guardians insider Mandy Bell tweeted.
The Guardians are playing in their fourth consecutive extra-innings game, matching the longest such streak in franchise history.
The last time this happened for Cleveland? May 1-5, 1910.
— Mandy Bell (@MandyBell02) May 2, 2024
The four consecutive extra-inning games are tied for most in franchise history; so yes, it was a historic night for the Guardians.
The best part of it all is that they ended up winning, thanks to a brilliant defensive play by left fielder Steven Kwan.
Cleveland went 2-2 in their four extra-inning games in a row: a victory against the Atlanta Braves, a loss at the hands of the same team, and another defeat, this time against the Astros, before Wednesday’s victory.
The Guardians are actually built to win close games: their offense is not explosive, but it’s full of contact hitters and their bullpen is excellent, with lefties and righties aplenty to dominate high-leverage situations.
On Wednesday, they won behind Kwan on the field and closer Emmanuel Clase on the mound.
With the win, their record is now 20-10, topping the AL Central division and proving to be one of the top teams in the American League.
NEXT: Steven Kwan Is Quickly Becoming A Star Talent
