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Roger Vaughan

Bazzana hits two homers in Guardians' dramatic MLB win

Travis Bazzana scored two home runs as the Cleveland Guardians enjoyed a big win over Chicago. (AP PHOTO)

Australian Travis Bazzana's two home runs have helped Cleveland score a crucial 7-6 win over Chicago in their battle for a Major League Baseball playoff berth.

The Guardians have beaten the White Sox at home in their last two games, meaning they trail Chicago by just half a game in the American League Central standings.

Whoever finishes on top of their division will go through to the post-season. Cleveland have topped the AL Central standings for the last two years.

Even if they finish second behind the White Sox, the Guardians are also well placed to progress with a wildcard berth.

Cleveland's Travis Bazzana is congratulated by teammate Angel Genao
Cleveland's Travis Bazzana is congratulated by teammate Angel Genao after hitting a home run. (AP PHOTO)

It was the second time in his debut MLB season that Bazzana has hit two homers in a game. The first Australian No.1 baseball draft pick has racked up hits in his last five games.

On Wednesday (AEST) the all-star second base hit a solo homer in the first inning to give Cleveland a 3-0 lead.

The Guardians were 6-4 down in the bottom of the sixth when Bazzana hit another solo shot.

Chicago's Tristan Peters
Chicago's Tristan Peters was at full stretch but couldn't stop a Travis Bazzana home run. (AP PHOTO)

Brayan Rocchio ripped a two-run double with two out in the ninth inning, scoring two runs to win the game.

The shortstop, nicknamed Rocctember and Playoff Rocchio for his late-season heroics, starred with two for three, including a walk and two runners batted in (RBIs).

Bazzana hit two for four with two RBIs.

The Guardians improved to a 77-75 record and have 10 games left in the regular season, while the White Sox are on 77-74.

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