CLEVELAND — In a stunning season of walk-off wins, late-inning comebacks and magical moments, Jason Giambi provided the most stirring one yet.
“It doesn’t get any better than that,” Giambi said. “I’m speechless.”
The Indians are roaring toward October.
Giambi belted a two-run, pinch-hit homer with two outs in the ninth inning to give Cleveland a shocking 5-4 win over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night, keeping the Indians up with the lead pack in the AL wild-card race.
Giambi drove a 1-1 pitch from Addison Reed (5-4) deep over the right-field wall to prevent a loss for the Indians, who are trying to make the postseason for the first time since 2007.
As he rounded third base, the 42-year-old Giambi slowed down before being engulfed at the plate by his teammates as the Indians celebrated their 13th straight win over Chicago. Giambi then wrapped his arms around manager Terry Francona and carried him off the field.
The Indians have 11 walk-off wins this season, with nine players taking turns in the hero’s role.
Giambi has been a steadying force all season for the Indians in the clubhouse, and the unquestioned Drama King on it.
This was his 10th career walk-off homer, and his second pinch-hit, walk-off this season. On July 29, he became the oldest player to hit a walk-off homer, breaking a mark previously held by Hall of Famer Hank Aaron.