With the win today over Kansas City, Cleveland is back in first place a half-game up on Minnesota. Also, the win moved the Guardians one game above .500.
The Guardians had a big night at the plate scoring 10 runs, and 18 hits including seven with runners in scoring position. Four different Guardian hitters had three hits, Amed Rosario, Josh and Bo Naylor, and Josh Bell.
If there was a key hit of the game moment it would go to Bell who had a two-run single in the bottom of 8th to put the game away for good.
Gavin Williams earned his first MLB win going 5 2/3 innings giving up three earned while striking out seven. Williams set the tone early striking out three of the first four batters.
In an impressive performance, Gavin Williams, a highly regarded young talent, recorded seven strikeouts in 5 2/3 innings to secure his first victory in the major leagues. The Cleveland Guardians triumphed over the Kansas City Royals with a score of 10-6 on Saturday. Bo and Josh Naylor, who are brothers, contributed greatly to the win by each driving in two runs. Williams (1-1), who made his debut on June 21, showcased his skills on the mound, allowing three runs on eight hits and issuing only one walk. He was drafted by Cleveland from East Carolina in the first round two years ago.
The Guardians’ offense was firing on all cylinders as both Naylors delivered two singles and a double each, contributing to the team’s season-high of 18 hits. Their dominant performance propelled the Guardians to claim the top spot in the AL Central division, overtaking Minnesota with a record of 45-44. The team established a 5-0 lead after four innings, reaching a winning percentage above .500 for the first time since April 19.
Josh Bell had a perfect day at the plate, going 3 for 3 with two walks and two RBIs, while Amed Rosario also contributed with three hits. This victory marked the Guardians’ third consecutive win. Josh Naylor has been a consistent force with 32 RBIs in the last 32 games, while Bo Naylor broke out of a slump, going 3 for 3 after a tough stretch of 1 hit in 19 at-bats.
Although the Royals mounted a comeback by scoring six runs between the fifth and eighth innings to narrow the gap to 7-6, their efforts fell short in the eighth when Nicky Lopez was thrown out at home plate by center fielder Myles Straw on Maikel Garcia’s RBI double.
Bobby Witt Jr., the Royals’ standout player, had a strong showing, going 3 for 5 with a solo home run, an RBI triple, and a stolen base. However, the Royals struggled on their seven-game road trip, losing all six games so far. They have been outscored 41-14 and managed only 38 hits during this stretch.
Kansas City’s starting pitcher, Brady Singer (5-8), lasted five innings, conceding six runs on a career-high 13 hits while striking out three. Singer’s road performance has been disappointing, as he now holds a 2-4 record with a 7.54 ERA in seven away games.
The Guardians added three insurance runs in the eighth inning against Nick Wittgren, reestablishing their four-run lead. Bell’s two-run single with one out proved to be the pivotal hit, allowing closer Emmanuel Clase to pitch the ninth inning in a non-save situation.
The start of the game was delayed by exactly an hour due to rain.
Peyton Battenfield (right shoulder inflammation) is eligible to come off the 60-day IL on July 18. The rookie has made one rehab appearance for Double-A Akron, walking four over three scoreless innings.
Saturday 7/9 1:40 PM EST – Series Finale vs Royals
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