By MATT PIKE
After a disappointing end to their homestand, the Kansas City Royals bounced back into the win column and moved back to .500 in the standings beating the Cleveland Guardians 4-2 at Progressive Field.
After missing a start with a stomach bug, Michael Wacha was sharp in his return to the mound and the starting rotation, pitching seven strong innings and giving up just one run on three hits, walking three and striking out three. The Guardians took the early lead off Wacha in the third inning on a two out home run by Steven Kwan, his first home run of the season.
The Royals struck back in the fourth inning to tie the game. Vinnie Pasquantino walked with one out, and then with two outs Carter Jensen struck out, but reached first on a wild pitch by Cleveland starter Tanner Bibee. With runners at first and second, a single from Jonathan India drove in Pasquantino to tie up the game and moving Jensen to third, but with the go ahead run 90 feet away Jac Caglianone grounded out to end the top half of the inning tied.
Kansas City took the lead in the sixth inning. Salvador Perez struck out to open the inning and Jensen followed that with a one out, 1-0 count, solo home run to right field. In the eighth inning, another home run gave the Royals the insurance they needed, Jensen singling with two outs and India following that with his second home run of the season to push the Kansas City lead to 4-1.
Brayan Rocchio led off the bottom of the eight with a home run off Royals reliever Matt Strahm, but Strahm settled in and retired the next two batters before walking Jose Ramirez, giving up no more damage though as he followed the walk forcing David Fry to flyout. Lucas Erceg retired the Guardians 1-2-3 in the bottom of the ninth to earn his third save.
Wacha improved to 1-0 on the season with the win, lowering his ERA to 0.69. At the plate, India was 2-for-4 with the home run and three RBIs. Jensen was also 2-for-4 with a home run and one RBI. Maikel Garcia was 2-for-5 with a double and Bobby Witt Jr. was 2-for-4 with a walk and a stolen base.
Kansas City and Cleveland continue their series tomorrow, earlier than originally scheduled. Noah Cameron (1-0, 1.80 ERA, 5K's) takes the mound for the Royals against Gavin Williams (1-1, 2.25 ERA, 17K's) for the Guardians. First pitch has been moved to 12:10pm due to frigid temperatures expected in Cleveland. KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) will join the broadcast at first pitch.
You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.