CLEVELAND — Guardians rookie C.J. Kayfus turned a rocky introduction to the majors into a rockin' night in Cleveland, and one swing might have gone a long way toward keeping them alive in their playoff hunt .

Kayfus, who entered their Sept. 11 game with a .196 average and .634 OPS in 31 games since being promoted to the majors, stepped to the plate in the eighth inning with Bo Naylor on first base and the Guardians trailing the Kansas City Royals by one run. Both teams are in borderline dire situations when it comes to the playoff picture.

Kayfus, from the No. 9 spot in the lineup, delivered a mammoth, 425-foot go-ahead home run that was launched over the wall in center field. It led to a crucial 3-2 win over the Royals , and a joyous trot around the bases for a rookie.

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