In the bottom of the first inning, facing Justin Verlander, Ramirez drilled a two-run shot over the wall in right field for home run No. 39 for his season. He just needs one more, and if he adds two doubles, he'd have a 40-40-40 season.

In the second inning Friday, trainers for both the Houston Astros and Cleveland Guardians stood near first base at Progressive Field checking on players from their respective clubs, an unwelcome sight for two playoff-bound teams.

Ronel Blanco pitched five scoreless innings and combined with three relievers on a three-hitter, leading the Houston Astros to a 5-2 win over the Cleveland Guardians in a matchup of possible postseason foes.