TheGuardianswent 6-0 on their recent road trip to Colorado and Anaheim, surging into position for the final Wild Card spot and a few games outside of the American League Central lead entering Aug. 28.
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Tanner Bibee took the mound opposite Michael Wacha.
The Guardians and Royals had a first-pitch time of 7:11 p.m. Here's how the game unfolded.
Aug 28, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals second baseman Nick Loftin (12) fields a ball during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
(David Dermer, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Michael Wacha (52) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
(David Dermer, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) throes to first base for an out against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
(David Dermer, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan (38) fields a ball during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
(David Dermer, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Tanner Bibee (28) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
(David Dermer, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 28, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals right fielder Jac Caglianone (14) hits a single during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
(David Dermer, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals series
Aug 28, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals second baseman Nick Loftin (12) fields a ball during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
(David Dermer, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals series
Aug 28, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals second baseman Nick Loftin (12) fields a ball during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
(David Dermer, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals series
Aug 28, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Michael Wacha (52) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
(David Dermer, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3/6
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals series
Aug 28, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) throes to first base for an out against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
(David Dermer, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4/6
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals series
Aug 28, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan (38) fields a ball during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
(David Dermer, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5/6
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals series
Aug 28, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Tanner Bibee (28) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
(David Dermer, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
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Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals series
Aug 28, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals right fielder Jac Caglianone (14) hits a single during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
(David Dermer, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Guardians shutout by Royals in loss
In the bottom of the ninth, Chase DeLauter singled through the left side of the infield, and Jo Adell blooped a single with one out into shallow right field to bring the potential tying run to the plate.
Nathaniel Lowe was then struck out on three pitches by Royals reliever Steven Cruz. Now down to their last out, Travis Bazzana was hit by a pitch to load the bases.
That led to Angel Genao as a pinch-hitter, who grounded out back to the pitcher to end the game.
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This marks the 13th time this season the Guardians have lost via shutout.
Carter Jensen extends Royals lead with home run
Facing Craig Yogo with a runner on in the top of the ninth, Carter Jensen drilled a two-run home that just sailed over the right-field wall, giving the Royals a 3-0 lead.
The Guardians will have to put together a wild ninth inning in order to avoid yet another game in which they waste a strong starting pitching performance.
Aug 28, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians center fielder Petey Halpin (0) catches a ball during the third inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
Royals, Michael Wacha holding Guardians scorelesss
The Guardians will head to the ninth inning still trailing 1-0.
Petey Halpin put the tying run on base with a single in the bottom of the eighth inning. Brayan Rocchio nearly put the Guardians on top with a deep shot to right field, but those hopes died on the warning track, and he fell about 10 feet short.
Aug 28, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) hits a single during the fourth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
Bobby Witt Jr., Salvador Perez give Royals the lead over Guardians
The Royals brought home the first run of the night in the top of the fifth inning.
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Bobby Witt Jr. doubled off the 19-foot wall in left field and later advanced to third. Salvador Perez, with one out in the inning, grounded a ball to the left side of the infield that was nicely fielded by a diving Brayan Rocchio, but it was still enough to score the run and put the Royals up 1-0.
It's been yet another quiet night for the Guardians offense at home, who have totaled only three hits thus far. Wacha has struck out six and walked none.
Aug 28, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Kansas City Royals third baseman Josh Rojas (40) throws to first base for an out during the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
Tanner Bibee, Michael Wacha escape jams as Guardians, Royals tied
Both starting pitchers escaped jams in the third inning to keep this one scoreless.
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First, Tanner Bibee walked Vinnie Pasquantino to load the bases with two outs in the top of the third. Nick Loftin then hit a flyout to shallow center field, which was caught on the run by Petey Halpin.
In the bottom of the third, the Guardians put runners on the corners with two outs for Chase DeLauter, but he struck out swinging to end the inning.
Aug 28, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Tanner Bibee (28) throws a pitch during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Dermer-Imagn Images
Guardians, Royals score
Tanner Bibee and Michael Wacha have both opened the game on high notes, and the Guardians and Royals will head to the third inning in a scoreless tie.
Below is some pregame information.
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Moises Ballesteros (13) hits an RBI single against the Cleveland Guardians during the fourth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) is caught in a run down to third against the Cleveland Guardians during the fourth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) reaches second against the Cleveland Guardians during the fourth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto (9) rounds second against the Cleveland Guardians during the fourth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) hits a single against the Cleveland Guardians during the fourth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels pitcher George Klassen (58) tosses to first for the out against Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) during the fourth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan (38) scores a run against the Los Angeles Angels during the third inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan (38) is greeted after scoring a run against the Los Angeles Angels during the third inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians first baseman Nathaniel Lowe (46) runs after hitting a sacrifice RBI against the Los Angeles Angels during the third inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians first baseman Nathaniel Lowe (46) hits a sacrifice RBI against the Los Angeles Angels during the third inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Parker Messick (77) throws against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Parker Messick (77) throws against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Jo Adell (7) acknowledges the crowd before hitting against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan (38) steals second against Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto (9) during the first inning at Angel Stadium. The play was challenged and overturned. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan (38) steals second against Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto (9) during the first inning at Angel Stadium. The play was challenged and overturned. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels pitcher George Klassen (58) throws against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/16
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Los Angeles Angels series
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Moises Ballesteros (13) hits an RBI single against the Cleveland Guardians during the fourth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1/16
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Los Angeles Angels series
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Moises Ballesteros (13) hits an RBI single against the Cleveland Guardians during the fourth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2/16
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Los Angeles Angels series
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) is caught in a run down to third against the Cleveland Guardians during the fourth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3/16
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Los Angeles Angels series
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) reaches second against the Cleveland Guardians during the fourth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4/16
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Los Angeles Angels series
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto (9) rounds second against the Cleveland Guardians during the fourth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5/16
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Los Angeles Angels series
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels center fielder Mike Trout (27) hits a single against the Cleveland Guardians during the fourth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6/16
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Los Angeles Angels series
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels pitcher George Klassen (58) tosses to first for the out against Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) during the fourth inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7/16
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Los Angeles Angels series
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan (38) scores a run against the Los Angeles Angels during the third inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8/16
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Los Angeles Angels series
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan (38) is greeted after scoring a run against the Los Angeles Angels during the third inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9/16
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Los Angeles Angels series
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians first baseman Nathaniel Lowe (46) runs after hitting a sacrifice RBI against the Los Angeles Angels during the third inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10/16
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Los Angeles Angels series
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians first baseman Nathaniel Lowe (46) hits a sacrifice RBI against the Los Angeles Angels during the third inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11/16
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Los Angeles Angels series
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Parker Messick (77) throws against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
12/16
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Los Angeles Angels series
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Parker Messick (77) throws against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13/16
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Los Angeles Angels series
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Jo Adell (7) acknowledges the crowd before hitting against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14/16
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Los Angeles Angels series
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan (38) steals second against Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto (9) during the first inning at Angel Stadium. The play was challenged and overturned. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
15/16
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Los Angeles Angels series
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Steven Kwan (38) steals second against Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto (9) during the first inning at Angel Stadium. The play was challenged and overturned. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
16/16
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Los Angeles Angels series
Aug 24, 2026; Anaheim, California, USA; Los Angeles Angels pitcher George Klassen (58) throws against the Cleveland Guardians during the first inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Guardians lineup vs Royals
Steven Kwan, LF
Chase DeLauter, DH
Jose Ramirez, 3B
Jo Adell, RF
Nathaniel Lowe, 1B
Travis Bazzana, 2B
Patrick Bailey, C
Petey Halpin, CF
Brayan Rocchio, SS
American League Central Division standings
These were the American League Central Division standings entering games played on Aug. 28:
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White Sox (70-63) —
Guardians (68-66) 2.5GB
Twins (64-70) 6.5 GB
Tigers (62-71) 8 GB
Royals (60-75) 11 GB
Who do the Guardians play next?
The Guardians return to Progressive Field for a 10-game homestand, including three games against the Royals (Aug. 28-30), three against the Blue Jays (Sept. 1-3) and four against the Tigers Sept. 4-6).
Where to watch Guardians game today on TV
The Aug. 28 game between the Guardians and Royals is set to be televised by Guardians TV.
How can I listen to Guardians vs Royals on radio?
The local radio broadcast of Guardians vs. Royals is set to air on WTAM (1100-AM), WMMS (100.7-FM) and WARF (1350-AM, Spanish broadcast).
Ryan Lewis covers the Guardians for the Beacon Journal. He can be reached at rlewis1@gannett.com.
