CLEVELAND (WJW/AP) — Baseball is back! After nine road games and an entire spring in Arizona, the Cleveland Guardians finally came home for the first time in 2025. The Guardians hoped to beat the Chicago White Sox in front of a sold-out crowd on Tuesday, April 8, and it was a success! The final score was 1-0, marking a triumphant return to Progressive Field.
The Guardians started off the season winning in Kansas City, defeating the Royals in extra innings during their season opener. Cleveland won the series two to one, but then faced a tough stretch, getting swept in three straight games by the San Diego Padres. During that three-game sweep, the Guardians’ defense committed four errors, which contributed to their current standing as the team leading Major League Baseball with a total of nine errors in their first nine games of the season.
Following the Padres sweep, the Guardians traveled to Anaheim and lost a three-game series to the Angels, two to one. Despite these setbacks, the Guardians have shown flashes of brilliance, especially with slugger Jose Ramirez leading the charge. Ramirez has been a standout performer, starting the season strong with four home runs, six RBIs, and a .320 batting average, boasting the second-highest OPS in the Majors at 1.318.
Last season, the Guardians finished with a solid 92-69 record overall, including a remarkable 50-30 record at home. The pitching staff was a significant part of that success, posting a collective ERA of 3.61 while averaging 8.9 strikeouts and 3.1 walks per nine innings. However, the Guardians' bullpen has struggled early this season, recording only one save and allowing 11 earned runs with a 3.00 ERA.
In contrast, the White Sox entered this matchup with a dismal record of 41-121 last season, finishing with the worst record in baseball. Chicago is currently struggling as well, with a 2-7 start to the season and a five-game losing streak. They were swept by the Detroit Tigers and have not found their rhythm, placing them fifth in the AL Central standings.
The Guardians' home opener was not just about the game; it featured several celebratory events as well. Former Ohio State football captain Jack Sawyer threw out the ceremonial first pitch, while the lineup card was presented by Barbara Robinson and her daughter, Nichelle, in honor of the 50th anniversary of Jackie Robinson becoming the first black Major League manager.
In addition, Dorian Pace, a local hero who rescued 15 children from a burning bus, was acknowledged for his bravery. The national anthem was performed by members of the Cleveland Orchestra's string section, accompanied by a color guard and ceremonial flyover, adding a festive atmosphere to the occasion.
As for the game itself, the Guardians' lineup featured key players such as Kwan in left field, Ramírez at third base, and Manzardo as the designated hitter. The pitching matchup saw Ben Lively (0-1, 6.75 ERA) going against Shane Smith (0-0, 3.18) for the White Sox. Lively had previously allowed four earned runs on seven hits in his last appearance, while Smith had a solid outing in his lone start.
With the Guardians having won eight of their last 13 games against the White Sox in 2024, expectations were high as they took the field. The Guardians' defense, however, has raised concerns early in the season, with Ramirez having committed four errors already, a significant increase compared to his total of nine all of last season.
Despite the rocky start, the Guardians remain optimistic about their season. They have a strong home crowd to support them, and the players are eager to turn their fortunes around. Fans were excited to see the Guardians back at Progressive Field, hoping this home opener would be the catalyst for a turnaround in their season.
The Guardians' offensive struggles have also been a topic of concern. After a promising opening day, first baseman Kyle Manzardo has cooled off, joining many of his teammates in a slump. He has managed three home runs and nine RBIs but has seen his batting average drop to .258. Meanwhile, left fielder Steven Kwan has been a consistent performer, batting .353 with one home run and three RBIs, recording a hit in eight of the first nine games.
On the other side, the White Sox have had their own struggles. Left fielder Andrew Benintendi has been a bright spot, leading the team with a .290 batting average, two home runs, and six RBIs. First baseman Andrew Vaughn has also contributed, with one home run and five RBIs, although he has struggled with a .167 batting average.
The Guardians' current standing in the American League Central division is precarious, placing them second-to-last with a 3-6 record. As they look to improve, the team is focused on tightening up their defense and finding a rhythm offensively. With the season still in its early stages, there is plenty of time for the Guardians to make adjustments and compete for a playoff spot.
As fans settle in for the remainder of the season, the excitement of the Guardians' home opener serves as a reminder of the passion and spirit of baseball. With the right adjustments and a bit of luck, the Guardians could turn their season around and make a strong push in the AL Central.
