Series Review: Cleveland Guardians get much needed series sweep over the Royals

The Cleveland Guardians defeated the Kansas City Royals in their three-game series.

Thunderstorms threatened to rain out another game that the Cleveland Guardians wanted to get in, but luckily the Guards were able to get the series in under the threat of rain. Ironic, as it was the Guards’ offense who rained down runs on top of the Royals’ head all series long.

Jose Ramirez helped lead the way offensively, hitting his 13th home run of the year in Game 1 and driving in three. Andres Gimenez also drove in three in Game 1, to help seal the win. Zach Plesac also had his best outing of the year so far, going six innings and striking out five. Nick Sandlin ended up getting the win, however.

Game two saw Austin Hedges and Oscar Gonzales contribute in a big way, with each man batting in three and two runs each. Cal Quantrill also had six innings pitched in Game 2 and did have five strikeouts as well, but he gave up three runs.

The third game in the series saw the best outing yet from young Konor Pilkingont, and timely hits from fellow rookie Richie Palacios, who had two hits and an RBI on the day.

The Guardians’ offense came alive and the starting pitching locked down the Royals, both things the team needed. The issue isn’t talent but the inconsistency from both the starting rotation and the offense. The more consistency the team can muster, the better off the Guards will end up being.

Game 1 – Guardians Win (7-3)

The Guards blew a 3-1 lead in the top of the eight, leaving the team down by two heading into the bottom. The Guardians were able to get the win, however, thanks to a four-run, eight-inning, powered by Andres Giminez’s three-run home run.

Game 2 – Guardians Win (8-3)

Austin Hedges’s three RBIs via his fourth home run of the season, and Oscar Gonzalez’s two RBIs were all the team needed to seal the win. The Royals treated Jose Ramirez like Barry Bonds, walking him three times.

Game 3 – Guardians Win (4-0)

Konor Pilkington put together his best outing yet, going five innings, striking out eight, and walking only two batters that he faced. No home runs in this one, but the offense thrived thanks to nine key hits and five timely walks.

Series Standouts

Jose Ramirez

4-10, 4 RBI, 3 Runs, 3 Walks

Andres Gimenez

5-10, 5 RBI, 1 HR, 2 Runs

Oscar Gonzales

4-13, 2 RBI, 2 runs