Bay Area native Steven Kwan hit a home run and got on base four times, while the Cleveland Guardians had 15 hits in a dominant 12-3 win over the Oakland Athletics in front of a crowd of just 5,425 on Saturday afternoon.
Six Guardians players successfully stole bases against Kyle McCann, a catcher making his MLB debut at 26 years old.
Cleveland’s manager Stephen Vogt joined Al Lopez in 1951 as the only manager to start their Cleveland career with a 3-0 record. Oakland fell to 0-3 for the second time in 28 years. The Guardians scored six or more runs in the first three games of the season for the fourth time in franchise history.
They outscored the A’s 26-7, marking a plus-19 run difference, the best in team history, surpassing plus-15 in 1922 and 1999.
“Everything seems to be clicking,” Kwan said. “We’re playing Guardians baseball, stealing bases, and having a lot of fun.” Kwan also had time to spend with family, including meeting his newborn nephew for the first time.
“These moments help you take a break from the game,” Kwan added. “Although it’s fun, it can also be quite stressful.” The A’s, who plan to move to Las Vegas for the 2028 season, had a total attendance of 22,784 in their first three home games, averaging 7,595 per game.
“From baserunning to defense to some walks, it all added up to a tough day,” said A’s manager Mark Kotsay.
Cleveland trailed 3-2 before scoring three runs in the fourth inning, two in both the fifth and sixth innings, and another in the seventh to take an 8-3 lead. “Our players responded every time,” Vogt said. “Their determination and the quality of their at-bats were great to see.”
Nick Sandlin (1-0) struck out two in a hitless fifth inning in relief of Tanner Bibee, who allowed three runs on six hits in four innings. Bibee also had five walks, matching his career high.
Cleveland’s Cade Smith, a 24-year-old right-hander, pitched two hitless innings with five strikeouts and a walk in his MLB debut. Vogt praised Bibee for getting through four innings despite his struggles with command.
“We needed those innings from him today, especially given the situation with our bullpen,” Vogt noted. “And then the offense stepped up for us.”
JP Sears (0-1) gave up five runs and six hits in 3 2/3 innings. Sears had a tough season last year as the A’s finished with a major league-worst 50-112 record.
Gabriel Arias hit a game-tying single, and Austin Hedges followed with a sacrifice fly in the decisive fourth inning. An error by Oakland shortstop Nick Allen led to two unearned runs.
