Cleveland Guardians at Chicago White Sox

As the fly ball off the bat of Angel Martínez carried deep into the night, the Guardians’ left fielder turned around to peak at catcher Edgar Quero. It was more of a passing glance, really. Martínez had a trip around the bases awaiting him. Martínez crushed a no-doubt grand slam Friday that sent the Guardians to an 8-2 win over the White Sox in the opener of a crucial three-game series at Rate Field. It was part of an epic night for the 24-year-old, who finished 2-for-5 with a career-high six RBIs. “Just a big day,” Martínez said. “It's already played, so let's go to tomorrow.” While Martínez may have been ready to turn his focus to Saturday, this was his night. And it was a night the Guardians and many across Northeast Ohio desperately needed. “Obviously that was a huge moment for him and for us,” Guardians manager Stephen Vogt said. Cleveland has been reeling of late, having entered the weekend 6-13 since the All-Star break and having lost 11 of its past 14 games. After getting swept by the Mets on Thursday, the Guardians fell to two games under .500 (57-59) for the first time this season. They sat three games behind the American League Central-leading White Sox (59-55). There’s time left this season, but suffice to say, a poor result this weekend would turn the heat up a few notches on Vogt’s ballclub. Martínez ensured the Guardians’ weekend began on a high note. Martínez got the Guardians on the board in the first inning, when he hit a bases-loaded two-run single off White Sox starter Noah Schultz. As it turned out, Martínez was the last batter Schultz would face. The White Sox held a mound visit before Martínez stepped to the plate. After his single, manager Will Venable made his way onto the field to talk to Schultz. If a team holds two mound visits with one pitcher in a single inning, they must pull that pitcher from the game. So, Schultz was gone, and the White Sox suddenly embarked upon a bullpen game after using seven relievers in a 13-inning loss to Boston on Thursday night. “Obviously, what a gift for us,” said Rhys Hoskins, who was stepping to the plate during the strange moment. “Not only tonight, but we're aware of how much they played in Boston.”