CLEVELAND — Rookie Jhonkensy Noel hit a two-run homer and Andrés Giménez followed with a solo shot in the fifth inning, leading the Cleveland Guardians to a 10-8 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Friday night.
Emmanuel Clase became Cleveland's career saves leader, notching his 150th — and 40th this season — by working the ninth. Clase gave up a leadoff homer to Andrew McCutchen before getting three outs and passing Cody Allen on the club list.
Clase has a legitimate Cy Young case with a 0.71 ERA and by converting 27 straight save opportunities since May 20. He's allowed only five earned runs all season.
''What he's done in the short spurt here is truly special,'' said Guardians manager Stephen Vogt. ''I'm only here for five months of it. It's just remarkable.''
Noel's 450-foot blast off Carmen Mlodzinski (2-5) came after the Pirates had scored six in the fifth to take a 6-4 lead.
Josh Naylor added four RBIs for Cleveland, which extended its lead in the AL Central over Kansas City to 2 1/2 games and 3 1/2 ahead of Minnesota. The Guardians will visit the Royals for three games starting Monday.
Naylor had to be assisted from the field in the eighth after getting an RBI single. He appeared to turn his left ankle following his swing and hobbling down the line. Vogt said Naylor suffered only a bruise.
''He told me he wants to play tomorrow, in true Nails form,'' Vogt said. ''He's going to be sore. He's going to be playing through some soreness, but Nails, the hockey player wants to play.''