The Cleveland Guardians were able to take care of business with a 4-0 win Wednesday in what was the final game of their series and brief home stand. This victory completed a three-game sweep of the Kansas City Royals with wins of 7-3 and 8-3.
While not a blowout or seemingly dominant, the Guardians were able to keep the Royals off the scoreboard despite multiple scoring chances. Cleveland’s pitching staff was able to limit Kansas City to a 1-6 line with runners in scoring position, but with no runs allowed. This is in addition to stranding nine Royals baserunners over the course of the game.
Konnor Pilkington did find himself walking a tightrope at times, allowing five hits and two walks. Pilkington did find himself in a bases loaded situation with one out in the 4th inning, but was able to get a strikeout and groundout to dance out of trouble. It was a career-high 5 innings pitched and eight strikeouts for Pilkington. Eli Morgan would follow Pilkington allowing two hits and striking out four in 2 innings.
Offensively the Guardians got some help from the top of the order. Steven Kwan and Amed Rosario each had two hits. Rosario was able to get Cleveland on the board with a 3rd inning RBI single.
From the bottom third of the order it was Andres Gimenez going 2-4 with a double and his RBI single in the 4th allowing Owen Miller to come around to score.
Jose Ramirez did not collect a hit, but was still able to drive in a run with a RBI groundout in the 5th inning.
Another member of the bottom third, Richie Palacios, also had two hits on the afternoon. Palacios’ RBI double in the 8th allowed Gimenez to score Cleveland’s fourth and final run.
What’s next?
The Guardians have an off day Thursday before heading to Camden Yards Friday for a three game set against the Orioles. Cleveland will head into play sitting at 22-24 against a 21-30 Baltimore squad. There is a very real chance for the Guardys to get above .500 with a sweep of the Orioles. This is a great opportunity for a young team to stack successive series on top of each other for consecutive series wins for the first time this season.
