Guardians news: Josh Naylor sets MLB record in Cleveland's improbable victory over White Sox

Cleveland Guardians' first baseman Josh Naylor led the team to an improbable comeback victory over the White Sox

The Cleveland Guardians entered the 9th inning of Monday's game against the White Sox trailing 8-2. The Guardians were given a 2 percent chance of winning according to baseball savant. Andres Gimenez kicked off the scoring with an opposite field solo home run to make it 8-3. Cleveland then began making some inroads. A few runners got on base with some help from lackluster White Sox defense. Before Cleveland knew it, they had runners on first and second in an 8-4 ballgame and Tony La Russa was forced to turn to closer Liam Hendriks. Hendriks promptly surrendered a base hit which brought Josh Naylor to the plate.

And Naylor, who loves hitting in clutch moments, clubbed a grand slam to right center.

The Guardians score SIX RUNS to tie it in the 9th with a Josh Naylor grand slam! pic.twitter.com/gjObbhXtg8

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 10, 2022

Naylor and the Guardians were fired up. They had erased a 6-run deficit in the 9th against a solid White Sox bullpen. But Naylor's night was far from over.

The White Sox almost won in the bottom of the 9th. With two outs and the bases loaded, Adam Engel hit a hard ground ball down the third base line. Jose Ramirez dove and made an incredible play. His long throw to first was a bit off the mark but Naylor stretched out and made a game-saving dig at first base.

Jose Ramirez with a huge play to send it to extras! https://t.co/4FyyHxNVHR

— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) May 10, 2022

In the 11th, Josh Naylor stepped to the plate again with two runners on base and two outs. You can probably guess what happened next.

Josh Naylor has 8 runs batted in tonight.

King stuff. 👑#ForTheLand pic.twitter.com/ErwoAXkBUg

— Cleveland Guardians (@CleGuardians) May 10, 2022

Josh Naylor finished with 8 RBI's on the night and became the first player in MLB history to hit a grand slam and 3-run shot in the 9th inning or later. The Guardians held on to win 12-9.

The Guardians' first base man discussed his historic night and Cleveland's improbable comeback after the game.

“In all honesty, without Gimenez there my at-bat doesn't happen,” Naylor humbly proclaimed. “I was ready for anything, I know he's (Liam Hendricks) a heavy velocity guy, he's a great pitcher, and it was a good challenge and I'm ready for all challenges.”