Jose Ramirez’ Playoff Run Is Making Guardians Franchise History

The Cleveland Guardians wouldn’t be heading into Game 2 of the ALCS with a 1-0 series lead over the Tampa Bay Rays if it weren’t for the heroics that superstar Jose Ramirez has put on all October long.

Going back to the final three games of the ALDS, and now Game 1 of the ALCS, Ramirez has simply put Cleveland’s lineup on his back.

Terry Francona set it when he managed, and Stephen Vogt has echoed it: when Hosey goes, the Guardians go.

Ramirez is doing more than just swinging a hot bat right now; he’s also setting Cleveland franchise history with how much success he’s had at the plate so far this postseason.

In the top of the ninth inning on Monday night, Ramirez worked Cole Sulser into a 3-2 count with two outs and Angel Martinez standing on second base. The Tampa Bay pitcher left a cutter up in the zone, and Ramirez took it the other way

Martinez crossed home plate, and the floodgates opened for Cleveland to score two more runs and seal the deal for the Guardians in Game 1.

Looking back to Ramirez, though, this was his eighth hit and eighth RBI of the postseason up to this point.

Ramirez also tied a Cleveland franchise record, becoming just the third player to log an RBI in four straight playoff games. The other two were Jim Thome in 1998-99 and Sandy Alomar in 1997, who still coaches first base for the Guardians.

Ramirez is already one of, if not the best, players in franchise history.

That said, considering the legendary players who played for Cleveland in the 90s, like Albert Belle and Manny Ramirez, along with impressive offensive players in the late 2010s, like Francisco Lindor and Michael Brantley, it really shows how amazing Ramirez is doing.

Whether it’s smacking home runs or just getting the ball in play, Vogt said after Game 1 that Ramirez just has a knack for getting on base and making things happen. There’s nowhere in the box score or in a stat to measure that impact, but it’s real, and the Guardians are feeling it right now.

Vogt went on to talk about how Ramirez’s energy “100 percent” feeds off the rest of the team.

Who knows what will happen throughout the rest of the series, but the Guardians should be in a good spot to win the ALCS if Ramirez continues to play at this level.