Bibee (1-0) gave up no runs and two hits in 5 2/3 innings with two strikeouts and two walks.
In Kansas City, Tanner Bibee had a strong performance, pitching without allowing any runs into the sixth inning. He was supported by Kyle Mazardo’s two-run homer and solo shots from Gabriel Arias and Daniel Schneemann as the Cleveland Guardians secured a 6-2 victory against the Kansas City Royals.
Bibee, who earned his first win of the season, held the Royals to just two hits in 5 2/3 innings, managing two strikeouts and two walks. After missing the opening day start due to an illness, the right-hander delivered an impressive outing to contribute to his team’s success.
On the other side, Royals’ starter Michael Wacha struggled as he threw 87 pitches in four innings, giving up one run and four hits. Despite recording two strikeouts, Wacha also issued four walks, continuing the trend where none of Kansas City’s starting pitchers completed at least five innings in any game of the season-opening series.
Mazardo’s home run traveled 417 feet nearly into the right field fountains off Sam Long to give the Guardians a 3-0 lead. It was his second home run of the series.
Arias’ homer in the sixth made it 4-0. He started in place of six-time All-Star José Ramírez, who missed the game due to a sprained right wrist he suffered on a slide in Saturday’s game.
Cleveland took a 1-0 lead in the second inning on Arias’ sacrifice fly that scored Carlos Santana.
Schneemann’s homer in the eighth extended the Guardians’ lead to 6-0.
Bobby Witt Jr. hit an RBI single and Hunter Renfroe drew a bases-loaded walk in the eighth for the Royals.
The Royals had the tying run at the plate in the eighth, but Hunter Gaddis forced a groundout to first to end the rally.
Steven Kwan went 3 for 5, all of those hits being singles, and had six hits over the series.
The Guardians send RHP Luis Ortiz to the mound to start a three-game series at San Diego on Monday. Kansas City travels to Milwaukee on Monday with LHP Kris Bubic on the hill.
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