The Cleveland Guardians got a much-needed win, and it happened on Carlos Santana’s special day.
Santana took the field on the 15th anniversary of his MLB debut, and he proved that he’s still a valuable contributor.
The veteran infielder hit a grand slam against the Cincinnati Reds in an 11-2 victory.
GRAND SLAM ON THE ANNIVERSARY OF HIS DEBUT!
15 years later, Carlos Santana is still crushing! pic.twitter.com/eE8bLpk7qY
— MLB (@MLB) June 11, 2025
It was his first grand slam at Progressive Field since Sept. 18, 2015.
Santana’s blast to right-center field gave Cleveland a 5-0 lead in the third inning.
The Guardians were in desperate need of some offensive momentum, and getting 13 hits and 11 runs was just what the doctor ordered to get back on track.
Stephen Vogt’s team had gone 5-10 in the previous 15 games, and they were averaging just 2.56 runs per game in nine June games.
This was the first time they scored more than four runs this month, and it came on the heels of a 1-0 shutout.
Lane Thomas also hit a three-run homer in the sixth inning, his first of the season.
He’s struggled with injuries this season, with just 20 appearances thus far.
The Guardians avoided a three-game sweep at the hands of former manager Terry Francona and the Reds, and hopefully, Cleveland will be able to ride the momentum into a nine-game road trip.
The Guardians will visit the Seattle Mariners, followed by the San Francisco Giants and the Athletics.
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