Kwan, Bazzana help Guardians beat Twins 9-2, pull within 1/2 game of AL Central-leading White Sox

Steven Kwan hit a home run to start the game, and Tanner Bibee struck out seven batters over 6 2/3 innings, leading the Cleveland Guardians to a 9-2 victory over the Minnesota Twins. This win brings the Guardians within half a game of the American League Central-leading Chicago White Sox. Cleveland is also ahead of Toronto by one game and leads Minnesota by 5 1/2 games in the race for the final AL wild-card spot. Travis Bazzana contributed with a two-run homer, while Bibee allowed only two runs on four hits. Minnesota’s Joe Ryan struggled, giving up four runs in four innings. The Guardians will face the White Sox in a crucial three-game series starting Monday. QUESTION: How might the outcome of the upcoming series between the Guardians and the White Sox impact the playoff race in the American League Central?