The Kansas City Royals limited the Cleveland Guardians to four hits but still survived a close game, needing two runs late to stay ahead and prevail 4-2 on Monday, Apr. 6 to open their series at Progressive Field in Cleveland.
Michael Wacha went seven innings in the win, allowing three hits and three walks while striking out three. One of those hits was a solo home run in the third to Steven Kwan that put Cleveland on the board first. The Royals tied the game in the top of the fourth with a line drive by Jonathan India that scored Vinnie Pasquantino. The Royals took the lead with a solo home run in the sixth inning by Carter Jensen. India would collect two more RBIs with a home run in the eighth inning, which would prove needed as Brayan Rocchio brought the Guardians back within two with a solo shot in the bottom of the inning.
Four Royals had multiple hits on the night, but stranded eight while being the victim of two double plays. However, the Royals were able to turn an unusual 5-6-4-3 double play in the fourth inning. Lucas Erceg recorded his third save of the season with a spotless ninth inning, as the Royals improve to 5-5 on the season.
Because of freezing temperatures expected on the lakefront Tuesday evening, the Royals will instead play the second game of the series Tuesday afternoon, with Noah Cameron getting the start against Gavin Williams. First pitch is at 12:10 p.m., with pregame coverage beginning at 11:30 a.m. on KMMO AM 1300.