The Cleveland Guardians defeated the St. Louis Cardinals at home on Friday night by a final score of 4-3 to begin the three-game series.
For Cleveland (22-28), the Guardians got the first run of the game in the 5th inning when outfielder Steven Kwan hit an RBI single to take a 1-0 lead. That same inning, shortstop Amed Rosario hit a three-run double to extend the Cleveland lead to 4-0. Ace pitcher Shane Bieber got his fourth win of the season for going 6.2 innings, striking out two batters, and allowing five hits and four walks for two earned runs. Closing pitcher Emmanuel Clase recorded his 17th save of the season in the 9th inning, while striking out two batters and allowing two hits for an earned run.
For St. Louis (23-30), the Cardinals got on the board in the 6th inning when third baseman Nolan Arenado hit a sacrifice fly to cut the Cleveland lead to 4-1. In the 7th inning, outfielder Alec Burleson also hit a sacrifice fly to cut the lead again to 4-2. The Cardinals attempted a comeback in the 9th inning with outfielder Lars Nootbaar hitting an RBI double to cut the lead again to 4-3, but were unsuccessful. Starting pitcher Matthew Liberatore suffered his first loss of the season for going 5.0 innings, striking out two batters, and allowing five hits and two walks for four earned runs.
The Guardians will continue the home series against the St. Louis Cardinals on Saturday, May 27th, with first pitch set for 7:15 p.m.