Santana's 15th career anniversary shot to ignite the Cleveland Guardians

Carlos Santana didn't think it would be the 15th anniversary of his major league debut (June 12, 2010), but the 39-year-old will mark a special home run.

He repelled the Reds' left-handed Nick Lodolo in the third inning, kicking off the Guardians' offensive feast. Cleveland beat Cincinnati 11-2 at home to Progressive Stadium to avoid being swept away by Ohio's southwestern rivals. The Guardians hit 13 hits in the game, scoring a season-high 11 points and escaping a three-game sweep.

"God has given me this opportunity," Santana said, "and I'm delighted to be back in Cleveland after 15 years of life. The organization welcomed me back twice. "

Santana made her debut in the Guardians jersey 15 years ago and played for the team three times in her career (2010-2017, 2019-2020). The heavy gunner returned to Cleveland last offseason on a one-year contract. Looking back on his debut, he didn't expect his career to be so long, but he was proud of his on-the-court performance and dressing room leadership.

"A 15-year career in the major leagues has been a miracle," said head coach Stephen Vogt, "and it's a combination of talent and discipline." It's rare to be old and still maintain an elite level. "

This battle can be called a cathartic battle for the Guardians - 5 wins and 10 defeats in the previous 15 games, averaging only 2.56 points per game in June (23 points in 9 games), and no more than 4 points in a single game. Werther has always said that "the crowd will exert too much force", but said on Wednesday: "In the final, relax and wait for the ball, and hit it with one shot." "

Santana's 397-foot right field slam shot (Statcast) in the third inning helped his team take a 5-0 lead. This is the first home run since September 20, 2022 (the Mariners) and the sixth of his career. His previous improved stadium Grand Slam was on 19 September 2015, when team-mate Kyle Manzardo was just 15 years old.

"It's been incredibly consistent," says Manzado, "and I've been fighting since I was in fifth grade." "

Lane Thomas added a three-pointer in six innings (the first hit of the season) and just finished playing in just 20 games this season after coming off the injury list (plantar fasciitis of the right foot). Mansado came off the bench to hit three hits and two hits, and hit a second base hit in the four-inning season to clear up two points.

Witt explained: "The Reds Cowshed is dominated by a right throw, so Mansa is sent to deliver a fatal blow. "

The win coincided with the Guardians' west march to three cities and nine away games (against the Mariners, Giants and Athletics from Saturday).

"The key to this victory," Witte emphasised, "is a morale boost ahead of the transcontinental flights." "