All-Star third baseman Jose Ramirez is the best player on the Cleveland Guardians, but Austin Hedges might be the most important person in the clubhouse.

The backup catcher is revered by teammates and trusted by manager Stephen Vogt to test the temperature in the room.

Hedges had his first two-hit game of the season and drove in a run on Thursday as Cleveland beat the Miami Marlins 9-4 to move within a half-game of the third and final American League wild-card spot.

The Guardians continue their homestand on Friday, opening a three-game series against the Atlanta Braves. Cleveland left-hander Joey Cantillo (3-2, 4.11 ERA) will take on Braves right-hander Hurston Waldrep (2-0, 1.54).

"It was only a matter of time before we got on a roll because we play such good baseball," Hedges said. "

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