Guardians’ Josh Naylor made clutch home run history with two late-inning shots against the Los Angeles Angels on September 1st, 2021. Naylor’s homers, one in the eighth inning and one in the ninth, helped the Guardians come from behind and win the game 7-4.
Naylor’s first homer came in the top of the eighth inning with his team trailing 4-3. He launched a two-run shot off Angels reliever Raisel Iglesias to give the Guardians a 5-4 lead. It was a clutch hit that energized his team and gave them the momentum they needed.
But Naylor wasn’t finished yet. In the top of the ninth inning, he hit a solo shot off Angels pitcher Andrew Wantz to extend the Guardians’ lead to 6-4. The homer was Naylor’s second of the game and his 11th of the season.
Naylor’s two late-inning homers were historic, as he became just the fourth player in Guardians’ history to hit two home runs in the eighth inning or later in the same game. The last player to accomplish the feat was Grady Sizemore on August 18th, 2006.
Naylor’s clutch performance also helped the Guardians secure a much-needed win. The team had been struggling of late, losing six of their last eight games before the matchup with the Angels. The victory moved the Guardians to within four games of a wild card spot in the American League playoff race.
After the game, Naylor credited his success to his teammates and their ability to keep him calm and focused throughout the game. “I just went up there trying to hit the ball hard,” he said. “My teammates helped me stay relaxed and keep my head on straight. We needed this win, and I’m just glad I could contribute.”
Overall, Naylor’s two late-inning homers were a clutch performance that helped the Guardians earn a much-needed win. His historic feat will be remembered by Guardians fans for years to come and serves as a reminder of the power of clutch hitting in baseball.
