Brayan Rocchio's Game 2 home run didn't just save the Cleveland Guardians' season; it also made franchise history. 

If it wasn’t for Brayan Rocchio’s eighth-inning heroics in Game 2 of the American League Wild Card series, the Cleveland Guardians' season may be over. 

Thanks to Rocchio’s go-ahead home run off Detroit Tigers reliever Troy Melton, Cleveland was able to put together a five-run inning, securing a win and tying up the series at one game apiece. 

Not only was the play one of the most exciting and memorable moments at Progressive Field so far this season, but Rocchio also made franchise history with this swing.

According to MLB statistician Sarah Langs, Rocchio’s solo shot is the first go-ahead homer in the eighth inning or later when facing elimination in the Cleveland playoff club's history. 

Considering how many postseason runs the Cleveland team has made over the last two decades, and how many home run hitters have been on those rosters, this is quite an accomplishment. 

That said, no task is too big once Playoff Rocchio has been activated.

Of course, the infielder was one of  Cleveland’s best bats in the postseason during the Guardians' 2024 run, and was also responsible for sending the team to the playoffs with a dramatic three-run

For Rocchio, he’s not thinking about his nickname or trying to do too much at the plate.

“Like I said in a couple interviews, I don't think about it. I try to keep my mind focused and competing. This is competing time. There's no self-awareness. It's being competitive as you can,” said Rocchio, through team interpreter Auggie Rivero, on Wednesday evening.

Rocchio faced the Tigers' pitcher a few times throughout his minor league career, but he did have a little help with the historic home run.

The switch hitter revealed that shortly before the at-bat, Jose Ramirez, “told me if [Melton is] going to throw you a cutter, swing like it's a fastball and that's what I was able to do.”

If the Guardians can go on and win Game 3 on Thursday, Rocchio’s home run could go on to be one of the defining moments in a possible long October run for Cleveland.