The Guardians' outfield shuffle hit a rough patch on a chilly Sunday at T-Mobile Park, as they fell to Seattle 8-0, splitting the season-opening series. CJ Kayfus, in just his second big-league start in left field, struggled to corral a two-out double by Dominic Canzone in the fourth inning, leading to a four-run rally for Seattle.
Kayfus, who made his first start in left on Saturday, attempted a sliding catch after a long run, but the ball bounced off his chest. This miscue opened the door for Seattle, as starter Slade Cecconi couldn't recover.
A wild pitch moved Canzone to third, followed by a walk to Cole Young, setting up an RBI single by Leo Rivas. Brendan Donovan then crushed a three-run homer to right, putting Seattle up 4-0.
Guardians manager Stephen Vogt has been experimenting with his outfield lineup, moving Gold Glove left fielder Steven Kwan to center to boost offensive options. While Chase DeLauter has been solid in right, the center and left field spots have been a revolving door.
Kayfus had more challenges in the fifth. Randy Arozarena doubled to left-center, and Kwan, coming over from center, was hindered by a diving Kayfus, allowing the ball to get past them both. Julio Rodriguez scored from first, and Luke Raley added an RBI single, ending Cecconi's day with a 5-0 deficit.
Cecconi's line was rough: six runs on six hits in 4 1/3 innings, with five strikeouts and three walks.
The struggles continued for Kayfus in the sixth. Cal Raleigh sent a fly ball down the left-field line with Donovan on second. Kayfus stopped short, watching it bounce into the seats for a ground-rule double and a 7-0 lead.
Kayfus, who debuted last year as a first baseman and right fielder, has some experience in left from the minors and spring training. His day ended with a strikeout in the eighth after challenging a call, confirmed by the ABS replay system.
On the mound for Seattle, Emmerson Hanson delivered a career performance. He pitched six no-hit innings, striking out nine and walking one on 92 pitches, stepping up in place of the injured Bryce Miller.
The Guardians finally broke through with a hit in the seventh when Chase DeLauter singled off reliever Cooper Criswell. Daniel Schneemann added another single in the eighth.
Looking ahead, LHP Parker Messick is set to start for the Guardians on Monday night at Dodger Stadium, facing RHP Roki Sasaki. First pitch is at 10:10 p.m. EDT, with coverage on Guardians.TV and WTAM/1100.