Story by
Guardians score, magic number. Cleveland wins to keep AL Central lead
- Story by
- Guardians score, magic number. Cleveland wins to keep AL Central lead
The Cleveland Guardians survived a back-and-forth game with the Kansas City Royals , finally pulling away to win 12-9 to maintain their division lead, Friday, Sept. 25.
The teams combined to score in seven of the nine innings, combining for seven runs in the ninth inning alone. The Royals hit three two-run home runs during the game. But the Guardians took advantage of being walked 13 times and lowered their magic number to win the division to two.
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
The Guardians hold a one-game lead over the Chicago White Sox in the American League Central Division with two games to play. Both teams clinched AL playoff spots one night earlier and are now looking to win the division and secure a first-round bye in the playoffs.
Gavin Williams had a tough start for Cleveland but the offense did its part. Austin Hedges and David Fry delivered big home runs early on for the Guardians.
Apr 14, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Iv‡n Herrera (48) tags out Cleveland Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo (9) during the fourth inning at Busch Stadium.
(Jeff Curry, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Cleveland Guardians center fielder Daniel Schneemann, left, almost collides with right fielder Angel Martinez as he catches a fly ball hit by St. Louis Cardinals' Alec Burleson (not pictured) on April 13, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri.
(Jeff Curry, Jeff Curry-Imagn Images)
Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning on April 12, 2026, in Cumberland, Georgia.
(Dale Zanine, Dale Zanine-Imagn Images)
Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Parker Messick throws against the Atlanta Braves on April 11, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Brett Davis, Brett Davis-Imagn Images)
Apr 10, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
(Brett Davis, Brett Davis-Imagn Images)
Apr 8, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Angel Martinez (1) celebrates after hitting a grand slam during the eighth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)
Cleveland Guardians rookie Juan Brito hits a double for his first career hit during the second inning of his Major League debut against the Kansas City Royals on April 7, 2026, in Cleveland.
(Nick Cammett, Getty Images)
Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez acknowledges the fans after becoming the franchise's all time leader in games played during a game against the Kansas City Royals on April 6, 2026, in Cleveland.
(David Dermer, David Dermer-Imagn Images)
Cleveland Guardians' CJ Kayfus celebrates his solo home run with designated hitter Chase DeLauter (24) in the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs on April 5, 2026, in Cleveland.
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
Apr 5, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) makes a catch in the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs.
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez slides safely into second base during the home opener against the Chicago Cubs, April 3, 2026, in Cleveland.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)
Apr 1, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Daniel Schneemann (10) steals third base during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)
Mar 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) throws to the plate during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) reacts after hitting a double against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Mar 29, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44) scores a run off an RBI double hit by Seattle Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena (56) during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
(Steven Bisig, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Mar 28, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Chase DeLauter (24) celegbrates with centerfielder Steven Kwan (38) after hitting a two-run home run during the tenth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park.
(Stephen Brashear, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Mar 27, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
(Stephen Brashear, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
(Steven Bisig, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1
/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Apr 14, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Iv‡n Herrera (48) tags out Cleveland Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo (9) during the fourth inning at Busch Stadium.
(Jeff Curry, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1
/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Apr 14, 2026; St. Louis, Missouri, USA; St. Louis Cardinals catcher Iv‡n Herrera (48) tags out Cleveland Guardians first baseman Kyle Manzardo (9) during the fourth inning at Busch Stadium.
(Jeff Curry, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2
/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Cleveland Guardians center fielder Daniel Schneemann, left, almost collides with right fielder Angel Martinez as he catches a fly ball hit by St. Louis Cardinals' Alec Burleson (not pictured) on April 13, 2026, in St. Louis, Missouri.
(Jeff Curry, Jeff Curry-Imagn Images)
3
/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) pitches against the Atlanta Braves during the ninth inning on April 12, 2026, in Cumberland, Georgia.
(Dale Zanine, Dale Zanine-Imagn Images)
4
/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Cleveland Guardians starting pitcher Parker Messick throws against the Atlanta Braves on April 11, 2026, in Atlanta, Georgia.
(Brett Davis, Brett Davis-Imagn Images)
5
/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Apr 10, 2026; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez (11) in the dugout against the Atlanta Braves in the second inning at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
(Brett Davis, Brett Davis-Imagn Images)
6
/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Apr 8, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Angel Martinez (1) celebrates after hitting a grand slam during the eighth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images
(Ken Blaze, Ken Blaze-Imagn Images)
7
/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Cleveland Guardians rookie Juan Brito hits a double for his first career hit during the second inning of his Major League debut against the Kansas City Royals on April 7, 2026, in Cleveland.
(Nick Cammett, Getty Images)
8
/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Cleveland Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez acknowledges the fans after becoming the franchise's all time leader in games played during a game against the Kansas City Royals on April 6, 2026, in Cleveland.
(David Dermer, David Dermer-Imagn Images)
9
/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Cleveland Guardians' CJ Kayfus celebrates his solo home run with designated hitter Chase DeLauter (24) in the eighth inning against the Chicago Cubs on April 5, 2026, in Cleveland.
(David Richard, David Richard-Imagn Images)
10
/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Apr 5, 2026; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio (4) makes a catch in the fifth inning against the Chicago Cubs.
(David Richard, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11
/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Guardians third baseman Jose Ramirez slides safely into second base during the home opener against the Chicago Cubs, April 3, 2026, in Cleveland.
(Andrew Dolph, Akron Beacon Journal)
12
/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Apr 1, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians second baseman Daniel Schneemann (10) steals third base during the third inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
(Jayne Kamin-Oncea, Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images)
13
/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Mar 31, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Dodgers two-way player Shohei Ohtani (17) throws to the plate during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images
(Gary A. Vasquez, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14
/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Mar 30, 2026; Los Angeles, California, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) reacts after hitting a double against the Los Angeles Dodgers in the third inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
(Kirby Lee, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
15
/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Mar 29, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Mariners center fielder Julio Rodriguez (44) scores a run off an RBI double hit by Seattle Mariners left fielder Randy Arozarena (56) during the fifth inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
(Steven Bisig, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
16
/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Mar 28, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians designated hitter Chase DeLauter (24) celegbrates with centerfielder Steven Kwan (38) after hitting a two-run home run during the tenth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park.
(Stephen Brashear, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
17
/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Mar 27, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24) rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run during the first inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images
(Stephen Brashear, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
18
/18
Cleveland Guardians photo of the day: Best images from each 2026 game
Mar 26, 2026; Seattle, Washington, USA; Cleveland Guardians right fielder Chase DeLauter (24) runs the bases after hitting a home run against the Seattle Mariners during the first inning at T-Mobile Park. Mandatory Credit: Steven Bisig-Imagn Images
(Steven Bisig, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
But to help put the game away, the Guardians took advantage of the Royals bullpen being unable to find the strike zone. The Royals walked nine of 13 Guardians hitters at one point in the final two innings, including a series of bases-loaded walks in a five-run ninth that was capped by Cleveland's Angel Martinez hitting a two-run double.
The Guardians walked six times in the ninth inning.
Sep 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Gavin Williams (32) pitches during the second inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen (22) slaps hands with first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (9) after scoring during the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen (22) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals right fielder John Rave (16) on second base after hitting a double during the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) slaps hands with the third base coach after hitting a home run during the second inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the second inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) hits a home run during the second inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia (11) reacts after a hit during the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals right fielder Jac Caglianone (14) on second base after hitting a double during the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) celebrates in the dugout after scoring during the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Gavin Williams (32) on the mound during the second inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Angel Martinez (1) dives back to first base ahead of the tag during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Noah Cameron (65) pitches during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Cleveland Guardians' Jose Ramirez (11) slaps hands with teammate David Fry after scoring against the Kansas City Royals on Sept. 25, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri.
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Cleveland Guardians' Steven Kwan (38) slaps hands with teammate David Fry after scoring against the Kansas City Royals on Sept. 25, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri.
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Cleveland Guardians' Jose Ramirez rounds third base to score against the Kansas City Royals on Sept. 25, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri.
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen (22) and pitcher Noah Cameron (65) speak on the mound during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Sep 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Rain delay announcement on the scoreboard prior to the game between the Kansas City Royals and the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1
/18
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals series
Sep 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Gavin Williams (32) pitches during the second inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
1
/18
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals series
Sep 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Gavin Williams (32) pitches during the second inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
2
/18
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals series
Sep 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen (22) slaps hands with first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino (9) after scoring during the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
3
/18
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals series
Sep 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen (22) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
4
/18
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals series
Sep 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals right fielder John Rave (16) on second base after hitting a double during the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
5
/18
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals series
Sep 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) slaps hands with the third base coach after hitting a home run during the second inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
6
/18
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals series
Sep 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) rounds the bases after hitting a home run during the second inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
7
/18
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals series
Sep 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Guardians catcher Austin Hedges (27) hits a home run during the second inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
8
/18
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals series
Sep 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia (11) reacts after a hit during the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
9
/18
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals series
Sep 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals right fielder Jac Caglianone (14) on second base after hitting a double during the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
10
/18
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals series
Sep 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) celebrates in the dugout after scoring during the second inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
11
/18
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals series
Sep 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Guardians pitcher Gavin Williams (32) on the mound during the second inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
12
/18
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals series
Sep 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Cleveland Guardians left fielder Angel Martinez (1) dives back to first base ahead of the tag during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
13
/18
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals series
Sep 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals pitcher Noah Cameron (65) pitches during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
14
/18
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals series
Cleveland Guardians' Jose Ramirez (11) slaps hands with teammate David Fry after scoring against the Kansas City Royals on Sept. 25, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri.
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
15
/18
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals series
Cleveland Guardians' Steven Kwan (38) slaps hands with teammate David Fry after scoring against the Kansas City Royals on Sept. 25, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri.
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
16
/18
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals series
Cleveland Guardians' Jose Ramirez rounds third base to score against the Kansas City Royals on Sept. 25, 2026, in Kansas City, Missouri.
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
17
/18
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals series
Sep 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Carter Jensen (22) and pitcher Noah Cameron (65) speak on the mound during the first inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
18
/18
Best photos from Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals series
Sep 25, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Rain delay announcement on the scoreboard prior to the game between the Kansas City Royals and the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: William Purnell-Imagn Images
(William Purnell, IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect)
Cleveland's 13 walks overall are the most by the team since walking 14 times in a 1979 game against the Toronto Blue Jays .
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
Martinez was the only Guardian with two hits and he also drove in four runs. But 10 Guardians had at least one walk, with Steven Kwan , Chase DeLauter and Jo Adell each walking twice.
Jose Ramirez had two RBIs for Cleveland and so did Fry with his two-run homer in the fifth.
Williams lasted just 3.1 innings for the Guardians, undone by four walks and five hits in allowing four earned runs. He struck out four. Cleveland then went through six relievers to get through the game.
The Akron Beacon Journal sports department can be contacted via email at bjsports@thebeaconjournal.com.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Guardians score, magic number. Cleveland wins to keep AL Central lead
