CLEVELAND, Ohio — On Monday, Steven Kwan powered the Guardians to a 6-2 spring training victory over the Kansas City Royals at Surprise Stadium by hitting consecutive two-out, two-run home runs. Kwan, who is being tested in center field despite his Gold Glove credentials as a left fielder, demonstrated no loss in offensive performance, raising his batting average to .286 with four RBIs on the day.
Rookie Lefty Parker Messick Delivers Strong Performance on the Mound
Parker Messick contributed significantly with 4 2/3 innings of scoreless pitching, striking out four, walking one, and giving up only two hits. His effort marked the fifth consecutive game in which a Guardians starting pitcher lasted into the fourth inning, highlighting the depth in the team’s rotation as they compete for five spots on the opening day roster.
Manager Stephen Vogt credited pitching coach Carl Willis for pushing the staff to new levels.
“Carl challenged all of our pitchers, saying, ‘It’s time to start competing,’”
Vogt said.
“I just love the way we’re attacking the strike zone.”
Guardians Build an Early Lead With Homers and Timely Hitting
Kwan put the Guardians ahead 2-0 in the third inning with a homer to right field, scoring Austin Hedges who had singled earlier. Kwan extended the lead with a second home run in the fifth inning off Nick Means, a result of a decisive five-pitch battle. Following Kwan’s second homer, Brayan Rocchio launched his first spring home run to push Cleveland’s advantage to 5-0.
Rhys Hoskins added to the lead in the sixth inning with a double that drove in pinch-runner Dauri Fernandez, who had replaced Gabriel Arias after his one-out single. These scoring plays helped the Guardians climb to a 6-0 lead.
Relief Pitchers Secure the Win Despite Late Royals Rally
The final 4 1/3 innings were handled by relievers Will Dion, Conor Brogdon, Codi Heuer, and Kolby Allard. Heuer conceded a two-run homer to Luca Tresh in the seventh but quickly regained control by retiring the next three batters. Allard, transitioning back into a starter role, closed out the game with two innings of effective relief pitching.
Though the Royals registered more hits, 10 to 9, Cleveland’s pitching and timely hitting proved decisive in the Guardians’ 6-2 victory.
Upcoming Matchups for Guardians’ Pitching Staff
Looking ahead, right-handers Tanner Bibee and Carson Seymour will take the mound against the Giants on Tuesday at 4:05 p.m. from Goodyear Ballpark. Bibee, who recently threw four scoreless innings in a previous outing, seeks to continue the strong showing by the Guardians’ starters early in Cactus League play.
