Jose Ramirez and Kyle Manzardo lit up the scoreboard with home runs, while Carter Kieboom’s clutch RBI single in the eighth inning sealed the deal as the Guardians narrowly defeated the Royals, 6-5, in a spring training showdown.
Ramirez got things started with a solo blast in the first inning, setting the tone early. Manzardo followed up with a powerful three-run homer in the second, giving the Guardians a solid lead.
With the game knotted at 5 in the eighth, Bryce Arnold showcased his patience at the plate, drawing a walk and advancing to second on a wild pitch. Kieboom then stepped up, delivering a single to right field that brought Arnold home for the go-ahead run.
Parker Messick took the mound as the starter and faced some turbulence, giving up four runs on seven hits, including three home runs, over 5 2/3 innings.
Tim Herrin (1-0) was pivotal in the win, pitching a scoreless eighth inning and striking out two. Izaak Martinez faced some pressure in the ninth, allowing two baserunners, but held firm to earn his first save.
Earlier on March 19, the Guardians’ prospects squared off against the Angels’ prospects, securing a 4-2 victory. Wuilfredo Antunez was the standout, smashing a three-run homer in the fourth inning.
Yorman Gomez earned the win for the prospects, delivering three scoreless innings, allowing four hits, and striking out one without issuing a walk.
Next up, the Guardians are set to face the Mariners, with a 9:05 p.m. Eastern first pitch on March 20.