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Cleveland, Ohio. — The young Dominican Ángel Martínez became the hero of the day for the Cleveland Guardians, by hitting a dramatic three-run home run in the eighth inning that sealed the 7-4 victory over the Los Angeles Dodgers and avoided the sweep in the three-game series at Progressive Field.
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Martínez, just 23 years old, showed why manager Stephen Vogt considers him a versatile and invaluable piece within the team. The home run, which was his first as a right-handed hitter in the Major Leagues, capped a memorable night both offensively and defensively.
“I approached it like any other at-bat,” Martínez commented after the game. “I try to give them all the same importance, because my mentality is always to put myself in the position where I can help the team.”
The hit came against a 91.2 mph fastball from left-hander Tanner Scott, which Martínez sent 394 feet over the left field fence, unleashing the euphoria of the fans and sealing the game in favor of Cleveland.
Immediate impact since his rise
Since his call-up from Triple-A Columbus on April 8th, Martínez has had an immediate impact. He has participated in 35 games, with 30 starts in center field, in addition to covering second base and corner outfield when necessary. His offensive line to date is .270/.292/.409, establishing himself as a reliable alternative both with the bat and the glove.
Martínez also shone with the glove, making a great defensive play in the top of the eighth inning, when he got Freddie Freeman out trying to turn a single into a double.
“I'm always ready in those situations to try to make my best shot,” the outfielder stated.
Opportunity and response
With outfielder Lane Thomas out of action with plantar fasciitis —after recently returning from a wrist injury—, Martínez has seized his opportunity to establish himself as a key piece in the Guardians' lineup.
His versatility, composure in pressure moments, and offensive consistency have been fundamental factors for Cleveland in the middle part of the season.
