CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Guardians are already guaranteed a spot in the postseason. Now the focus is on clinching the American League Central Division title and locking up a top two playoff seed.
José Ramírez had three hits including his 36th home run, drove in two and stole his 40th base as the Guardians beat the St. Louis Cardinals 5-1 on Friday night to move closer to the AL Central crown.
The Guardians' magic number for the division is now one. With a win Saturday night against St. Louis or a loss by the Kansas City Royals to San Francisco, the Guardians can win their second AL Central title in three years.
After Friday's win over St. Louis, Cleveland's magic number for a top-two seed in the American League and an automatic bye to the AL Division Series is three.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
