Jose Ramirez rewarded the Cleveland Guardians fans who stayed at Progressive Field for nearly three hours in the sweltering June heat.

Ramirez slashed a single down the left-field line to score Angel Martinez in the 10th inning for a 5-4 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays on Wednesday night.

This was a big win for the Guardians, who need to start winning some series to keep pace into the playoff race.

Nearing the halfway mark of the season, Cleveland’s record is 40-38. They are a half-game behind the Seattle Mariners for the final wild-card playoff spot.

COOPERSTOWN-BOUND

Max Scherzer started for Toronto. The 40-year-old future Hall of Famer was looking for his 217th career win.

Ramirez greeted him in the first inning with a single to score Steven Kwan.

Vladimir Guerrero Jr. tied the game in the fourth inning with his 11th homer of the year off Guardians starter Gavin Williams.

Gabriel Arias put Cleveland on top 3-1 in the bottom of the fourth. He doubled to score Nolan Jones and Daniel Schneemann.

CANADA’S COMEBACK

George Springer continued his reign of terror against the Guardians with a two-run single to tie the game 3-3 in the sixth.

Ernie Clement continued his revenge tour with a sacrifice fly to put Toronto on top 4-3.

Lane Thomas continued his recent power surge with a game-tying solo homer in the bottom of the sixth.

Both bullpens put the game on lockdown. Cleveland’s Jakob Junis escaped a bases-loaded jam in the eighth by striking out Clement and Alan Roden.

Toronto intentionally walked Steven Kwan to start the 10th. David Fry bunted for a single before Ramirez delivered the game-winner.

Nic Enright picked up his first major-league win for the Guardians.

DAYTIME BASEBALL

Cleveland and Toronto will play the decisive game of the series this afternoon at 1:10. Tanner Bibee (4-7) will start for the Guardians against the Blue Jays’ Kevin Gausman (5-6).