KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Cleveland Guardians are back in action today, March 29, 2025, as they take on the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium, looking to build on their thrilling Opening Day victory. After a dramatic 7-4 win in extra innings against the Royals, the Guardians are eager to continue their momentum with Gavin Williams making his first start of the season.
Williams, who had a challenging 2024 season with a 3-10 record, is hoping to turn the tide this year. Last season, he faced the Royals twice, allowing only three runs on four hits and four walks, while striking out 12 in 12 innings. His performance against key Royals hitters has been solid; he has kept American League MVP candidate Bobby Witt Jr. in check, limiting him to just two hits in 13 at-bats with three strikeouts. However, both Freddie Fermin (4-7) and Salvador Perez (3-7) have had success against him, which could be crucial for the Royals today.
On the other side, the Royals will counter with Seth Lugo, who is coming off a strong 2024 season, finishing with a 16-9 record, a 3.00 ERA, and a 1.09 WHIP. Lugo faced an American League-high 836 batters last year, proving to be a reliable starter for Kansas City. The Guardians averaged just two runs against Lugo in their three encounters last season, so they will need to find a way to break through against him if they hope to secure another win.
The Guardians' lineup for today's game features several key players, including left fielder Steven Kwan, third baseman Jose Ramirez, designated hitter Kyle Manzardo, first baseman Carlos Santana, right fielder Nolan Jones, center fielder Lane Thomas, catcher Bo Naylor, second baseman Daniel Schneemann, and shortstop Brayan Rocchio. This lineup is looking to capitalize on the momentum from Opening Day, where Manzardo tied the franchise record for most RBIs on Opening Day with four, showcasing his potential as a breakout star.
As the Guardians look to improve their record, they are mindful of their recent history. They have captured 42 comeback victories in their last season, and the team is hoping to add more to that tally. The Guardians executed a critical pickle play in the eighth inning of their Opening Day game, showcasing their defensive prowess and ability to navigate pressure situations. With the bullpen’s strong performance, including a win for Emmanuel Clase, the Guardians are confident heading into today's matchup.
The Royals, meanwhile, are looking to bounce back after their Opening Day loss. Despite jumping out to a 3-0 lead thanks to a three-run homer from Vinnie Pasquantino, they couldn’t hold onto the advantage. Kansas City's bad baserunning hampered their chances, and they finished the game with seven hits but only managed to score once more after the third inning. Pasquantino, who had 19 homers and 97 RBIs last season, is a player to watch as he looks to make an impact once again.
Injuries have plagued the Royals, particularly affecting their star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who is coming off a season where he hit .332 with 32 home runs and 109 RBIs. Witt Jr. had a rough start to the season, managing only one hit and three strikeouts in the opener. Salvador Perez, another key player for Kansas City, also faced challenges, striking out twice but managing to get a hit in the game.
As the game approaches, fans are eagerly tuning in. The matchup is available to watch on CleGuardians.TV and FanDuel Sports Kansas City, with first pitch set for 4:10 p.m. Eastern (3:10 p.m. Central). For those who have cut the cord, streaming options like FuboTV and DirecTV Stream are offering free trials, making it easier for fans to catch the action.
With the AL Central being a tightly contested division this season, every game holds significant weight. The Over/Under for wins for the contenders in the division ranges from 82.5 to 84.5, highlighting the competitive nature of the division. The Guardians and Royals are both looking to position themselves favorably early in the season, and today's game will be a crucial step in that direction.
As both teams take the field, the anticipation is palpable. Will the Guardians continue their winning ways with Williams on the mound, or can Lugo and the Royals find a way to even the series? Fans will be glued to their screens as this exciting matchup unfolds.
