For several days, Cleveland Guardians fans were anticipating Saturday’s matchup against Paul Skenes and the Pittsburgh Pirates.
No disrespect to the rest of the Pirates’ pitching staff, but Skenes is a unique talent.
The Guardians faced him for the first time, and while he pitched well, Cleveland players can say they defeated him.
Yes, the Guards won 3-0 on Saturday against the Bucs’ young ace.
They were leading 1-0 since the third inning thanks to an RBI single by Steven Kwan.
The real highlight of the game came in the seventh frame, though.
Guardians slugger Kyle Manzardo wasn’t fazed by the spotlight and the man on the mound.
He just stood there at the plate and hit one of the most impressive home runs you will see.
He sent the ball out of the park, into the river.
Kyle Manzardo sends a ball out of the ballpark against Paul Skenes! pic.twitter.com/UoZqcl5rm1
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 19, 2025
Per Guards insider Zack Meisel, Manzardo became the first Cleveland hitter to slug a home run into the Allegheny River since PNC Park opened in 2001.
Kyle Manzardo is the first Cleveland hitter to slug a home run into the Allegheny River since PNC Park opened in 2001. He's the 51st player overall to do so.
— Zack Meisel (@ZackMeisel) April 19, 2025
The Indians/Guardians had some impressive sluggers in the new millennium, but nobody in franchise history did what Manzardo just achieved.
In total, 51 players have hit the ball out of PNC Park and into the river, and Manzardo is now one of them.
After the glorious blast, the lefty-hitting masher is now sporting a cool .816 OPS with five long balls and 13 RBI.
His .194 batting average still leaves a lot to be desired, but it’s trending up as Manzardo is heating up in recent games.
It looks like he has finally arrived as an everyday contributor in Cleveland.
NEXT: Gabriel Arias Keeps Thriving As A Regular
