Kyle Manzardo was instrumental in the Cleveland Guardians’ dramatic 5-4 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday, hitting a two-run homer and delivering the game-winning RBI in the 10th inning. This win not only clinched a series sweep for the Guardians but also highlighted their resilience, overcoming a late-game scare where closer Emmanuel Clase allowed three runs in the ninth, resulting in his second blown save of the season.

In the extra inning, Jhonkensy Noel was the automatic runner who advanced to third base after a groundout by José Ramírez. Manzardo's fly ball to left field brought Noel home, sealing the game. The Guardians’ Joey Cantillo, who earned his first save of the season, faced some trouble in the bottom of the tenth but ultimately secured the win with a double play and a flyout.

Paul Skenes faced a tough outing as the Pittsburgh Pirates fell to the Cleveland Guardians 3-0 at PNC Park. Early in the game, Steven Kwan put the Guardians on the board with a single in the third inning. The Pirates struggled against Guardians starter Ben Lively, who pitched 5.1 innings of shutout ball, striking out three and allowing just four hits.

The momentum shifted dramatically in the sixth inning when Kyle Manzardo launched a home run that sailed into the Allegheny River, extending the Guardians' lead. In the eighth, Jose Ramirez contributed further with a sacrifice fly that sealed the Pirates' fate, marking their 14th loss of the season.

As the MLB season heats up, prop bets on home runs become increasingly enticing. Today's picks feature standout players expected to deliver with the long ball. Trevor Story, of the Boston Red Sox, stands out with strong splits against the struggling Ryan Pepiot, particularly in the favorable conditions of Steinbrenner Field. Pete Alonso of the New York Mets is another solid pick; his formidable performance thus far makes him a prime candidate to go deep against Bailey Ober. Adolis Garcia, facing Yusei Kikuchi, benefits from Globe Life's favorable hitting conditions for right-handed bats. Similarly, Jose Ramirez offers enticing value against Charlie Morton, who has struggled with the long ball this season. Lastly, keep an eye on Brenton Doyle or Ryan McMahon, both providing exciting potential in a hitter-friendly environment.

Kyle Manzardo, after a rocky rookie season, has found his footing in the MLB with the Cleveland Guardians. This season, he has adopted a postgame ritual involving video game showdowns with teammate Daniel Schneemann to maintain a balanced mindset regardless of performance. This method has contributed to his confidence at the plate, evidenced by his .209 batting average coupled with 11 RBIs and 4 home runs, showcasing potential for growth.

Manzardo's recent performances highlight his capability against left-handed pitchers, where he has excelled significantly. His teammates believe he could soon become an MLB All-Star, reflecting the Guardians' optimism about his future. The Guardians are now relying on him as a cleanup hitter, underlining his importance to the team's offensive strategy.

The introduction of torpedo bats has sparked considerable interest across Major League Baseball, especially following their successful debut by Yankees hitters like Jazz Chisholm Jr. and Anthony Volpe, who quickly tallied multiple home runs. The design aims to enhance contact and power by concentrating more wood at the barrel's sweet spot. Guardians players, including Steven Kwan and Jose Ramirez, have expressed curiosity but have yet to fully embrace this trend.

While some players are cautiously optimistic, assessing the effectiveness of torpedo bats remains challenging due to limited sample sizes from their initial use. Ramirez remarked that he hasn't observed significant differences after trying them, and concerns about making mid-season adjustments linger. Nonetheless, the curiosity persists, and it's possible that Guardians hitters could adopt torpedo bats if success stories continue.