Josh Naylor first player with 8 RBIs in eighth inning or later, helps Cleveland Guardians stun Chicago White Sox
CHICAGO — Josh Naylor hit a tying grand slam with two outs in the ninth inning and a three-run homer in the 11th, powering a huge comeback that carried the Cleveland Guardians past the Chicago White Sox 12-9 on Monday night.
Naylor also had a run-scoring double in the eighth and finished with eight RBIs for the Guardians, who stunned Chicago by rallying from an 8-2 deficit in the ninth aided by two White Sox errors.
According to ESPN Stats & Information, Naylor became the first player since the stat became official in 1920 to have 8 RBIs from the eighth inning on in a game. He also became the first player in major league history with multiple three-run home runs (or a grand slam) from the ninth inning on in a game.
«Nothing surprises me what he can do with the bat,» teammate Franmil Reyes said. «That was amazing. A legendary moment.»
Andrés Giménez led off the ninth inning with a homer and then doubled home a run in the 10th as the Guardians snapped Chicago's six-game winning streak. They have won eight of 10 following a seven-game skid.
It was the first multi-homer game for Naylor, back from a horrific leg injury last season. He is 10 for 17 with runners in scoring position this year.
Naylor launched his first career slam off Liam Hendriks, handing the All-Star closer his first blown save since April 8.
Naylor's go-ahead drive came off Ryan Burr and barely cleared the right-field fence. Burr (0-1) started the 11th in place of Reynaldo Lopez, who felt lower back tightness while warming up and left the game.
«It stings,» Hendriks said. «It should have been something I should have taken care of. We were one strike away and I couldn't get it done. That's what stings the most.»
Burr was equally remorseful.
«It sucks,» he