Travis Bazzana knows how calendars work.
This month is September. Next month is October.
Every game is more exciting than the last. Bazzana and his teammates will look to deliver another victory when the Cleveland Guardians (75-73) play the Minnesota Twins (69-78) on Saturday afternoon in Minneapolis.
Cleveland is coming off a 5-2 win in Friday’s series opener. The Guardians pulled within a half-game of the slumping Chicago White Sox (75-72) for first place in the American League Central. Moreover, Cleveland is two games ahead of Toronto in the race for the third AL wild-card spot.
“I mean, I’m looking at the (playoff) race, and it fires me up every day,” Bazzana said. “You know, it gives you that extra little fire for the day when you know you’ve got to win and you’re a step closer to winning the division.
“It doesn’t make me nervous. … I feel really good about where I’m at right now, and I’m just enjoying every day. But I think it gives us a good feeling and an extra boost of energy to go get it done in September.”
Cleveland is trying to win the division and reach the playoffs for the third year in a row. The franchise has played in the postseason seven times in the past 10 seasons.
One reason for the Guardians’ success as of late is Brayan Rocchio, who came through again Friday with a two-run double in the top of the ninth inning.
Cleveland manager Stephen Vogt said Rocchio loves playing in the spotlight.
“It’s September and it’s ‘Rocchy,'” Vogt said. “We always feel good when he’s at the plate, regardless of the time of year. But he steps up big for this team.
“That’s another really good at-bat (on Friday). You know, (he) took a shot early and then really shortened up and took what the pitcher gave him.”
Twins left-hander Connor Prielipp (4-7, 5.25 ERA) will try to cool down Rocchio and the rest of the Guardians. Prielipp is set to make the 20th start of his rookie campaign.
In his most recent start, Prielipp drew a no-decision after allowing two runs on five hits in four innings against the Detroit Tigers. He walked none and struck out five.
Prielipp has faced the Guardians twice. He is 0-1 with a 3.60 ERA in those games.
Cleveland will counter with right-hander Daniel Espino (0-0, 2.70). He also is a rookie, and he will make his first start after appearing in nine games out of the bullpen.
The 25-year-old from Panama has struck out 18 batters in 10 innings this season. He has never faced the Twins in his career.
Minnesota will play without All-Star outfielder Byron Buxton. The team announced Friday that he is scheduled to undergo season-ending surgery on his injured hip.
Buxton hit .254 this season with 25 homers and 46 RBIs in 93 games.
“He’s a grinder,” Twins catcher Ryan Jeffers said. “He’s been fighting through this for a little while, and he’s done some unbelievable things this year. We all know the player he is, the person he is.
“Yeah, it puts a damper on the excellent season he had this year, but it doesn’t put a damper on the impact he’s had in this clubhouse and on the young guys.”
–Field Level Media
