Cleveland built an early lead and never let go, defeating Baltimore 4-2 behind Parker Messick's dominant eight-inning performance at Progressive Field.
Messick (3-0) struck out nine batters while allowing just two hits over eight innings, carrying a 1.05 ERA. The left-hander walked two and surrendered two earned runs, but controlled the game from the start. Cade Smith earned his fourth save with a scoreless ninth inning.
The Guardians struck immediately in the first inning when Ramirez homered to right center, driving in DeLauter for a 2-0 lead. Cleveland extended the margin in the fifth when Kwan singled to right, scoring Rocchio. Valera added an insurance run in the sixth with a single to left that brought home Ramirez.
Shane Baz (0-2) took the loss for Baltimore, allowing four runs on six hits over six innings with six strikeouts. His ERA stands at 4.50. The Orioles managed only late resistance in the ninth when Henderson hit a sacrifice fly and Alonso doubled home Alexander, but the rally fell short.
Cleveland improved to 10-9 and snapped a two-game losing streak. Baltimore fell to 9-9, also extending their losing streak to two games.