C.J. Kayfus was hit by a pitch with the bases loaded in the ninth inning, scoring Petey Halpin as the Cleveland Guardians clinched an American League playoff berth with a 3-2 win over the visiting Texas Rangers on Saturday.

Rangers closer Robert Garcia (4-8) intentionally walked Gabriel Arias to face rookie Kayfus with two outs in the ninth, but he struck him on the right arm with his second pitch. Halpin was pinch-running for Johnathan Rodriguez, who had walked, and Kyle Manzardo followed with a single.

Cleveland locked up a wild-card spot but is also tied with the Detroit Tigers for first place in the Central Division. The Guardians would win a tiebreaker and the teams are assured of playing each other in the first round of the postseason.

Cade Smith (8-5) worked 1 2/3 innings and was

See Full Page