BALTIMORE (AP) — José Ramirez took another step up the Cleveland Guardians’ career home run list.
Ramírez homered in the sixth inning Monday night to tie Manny Ramirez for third in franchise history. It was his 236th home run for Cleveland. Albert Belle hit 242, and then it’s a good deal further to reach leader Jim Thome’s mark of 337.
José Ramírez mostly spoke through a translator afterward, until he was asked about needing only a few home runs to catch Belle.
“I got it,” the star third baseman said in English.
Ramírez hit a solo shot that, in addition to marking a milestone, also was the decisive run in Cleveland’s 3-2 victory over Baltimore.
“It’s another milestone, but the key is to win games and that’s what I’m focused on,” Ramírez said through a translator.
Manny Ramirez played for Cleveland from 1993-2000. José Ramírez is in his 12th season with the only big league franchise he’s played for. His contract runs through 2028.
His 431-foot shot Monday was Ramírez’s 20th home run of the year.
“I think that was just gathering information from his first couple at-bats,” manager Stephen Vogt said. “Third time around is real, especially when you’re dealing with a hitter like José. He got a fastball, he ambushed it.”
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