In a recent game against the Tigers, the Guardians suffered a 3-0 loss, evening up their division series at one win apiece. However, one standout moment from the game has captured attention: a remarkable catch by Asian American outfielder Steven Kwan in the eighth inning that he described as a “gamble.” After the game, Kwan likened his decision to dive for the ball to playing with money won at a casino, emphasizing that there was little risk involved.
Starting pitcher Matthew Boyd threw 4.2 innings without allowing a run, giving up just four hits. The Guardians relied on their impressive bullpen, but in the eighth inning, things got tense when Hunter Gaddis faced two outs with runners on first and second. Closer Emmanuel Clase was called onto the mound as the situation escalated. The Tigers’ Wenceel Pérez hit a line drive toward left field, prompting Kwan to execute an incredible diving catch. The Tigers challenged the play, arguing that the ball hit the ground first, but the original call stood, allowing the Guardians to dodge a potentially costly run.
According to Statcast, Kwan’s catch had a mere 10% probability of being made. “It was two outs at the time, so if I let that ball drop, they would score. If I missed the dive, they would also score,” Kwan explained. “It felt like I was playing with money I had just won at the casino—there wasn’t much risk involved.”
Kwan raised his glove triumphantly after making the catch, but Tigers manager AJ Hinch had mixed feelings about the whole situation: “Seeing him jump up excited, I couldn’t tell if he was acting or if he really made the catch.” He added that with the game nearing its end, there was no hesitation in challenging the call.
Despite missing out on that scoring opportunity, the Tigers were able to break through against Clase in the ninth inning, with Kerry Carpenter hitting a three-run homer that not only secured the victory but also marked the first time Clase had ever given up more than two runs on a home run in his career.
