Jose Ramirez hit a home run and Josh Naylor drove in two runs as the Cleveland Guardians defeated the Kansas City Royals 7-2 on Saturday.
Ramirez expressed relief at avoiding a potential four-game losing streak, emphasizing the team’s focus on competitive spirit rather than dwelling on wins or losses.
Vinnie Pasquantino and Michael Massey contributed home runs for the Royals, but Tanner Bibee, pitching for the Guardians, limited them to just those two runs over six innings, striking out three.
Jhonkensy Noel’s two-run homer gave the Guardians a 3-2 lead, a play that survived a challenge for a fair ball.
Ramirez added to the lead with an RBI double in the fifth inning and his 23rd home run of the season in the seventh inning, securing the 7-2 victory.
On the Royals’ side, Cole Ragans struggled, giving up five earned runs over 4 2/3 innings, including Ramirez’s home run which he admitted was a mistake pitch.
