Cleveland established control early and never relinquished it, defeating Kansas City 8-5 at Kauffman Stadium despite a spirited home rally. The Guardians scored four runs in the first three innings and added crucial insurance runs in the seventh to secure their first win after a loss.
Slade Cecconi earned his second victory of the season, allowing 2 runs over 5.1 innings while scattering 6 hits. The right-hander walked 3 and struck out 3 across 82 pitches, carrying a 6.15 ERA. Cade Smith closed out the ninth for his 10th save, striking out 2 in a perfect inning.
The Guardians struck immediately in the first inning when Manzardo doubled to center, scoring Kwan and Ramírez. Schneemann followed with an RBI single to right, bringing Manzardo home for a 3-0 advantage. Cleveland extended the lead in the third as Halpin singled to center, scoring Schneemann. The decisive blow came in the seventh when Naylor homered to right, a 393-foot blast that scored Bazzana and Rocchio for an 8-2 lead.
Seth Lugo absorbed the loss for Kansas City, lasting just 4 innings while allowing 4 runs on 7 hits. The veteran walked 4 and struck out 5 over 102 pitches. His ERA: 3.21. The Royals mounted a late charge with back-to-back homers from Witt Jr. and Pasquantino in the seventh, but could not overcome the early deficit.
Cleveland improved to 19-19 and snapped a losing streak. Kansas City fell to 17-20 with the loss. Lugo sits 4 strikeouts away from 1,000 career strikeouts.