The Cleveland Guardians defeated the Chicago White Sox in their home opener on Monday by a final score of 4-0 to begin the three-game series. The shutout win for the Guardians marks the third time Cleveland has done so this season, while also marking the fifth straight victory for the Guardians.
For Cleveland (8-2), the Guardians got on the board in the 3rd inning when second baseman Andres Gimenez scored off a fielding error by the White Sox, giving Cleveland a 1-0 lead. Later in the 4th inning, Gimenez would be hit by a pitch with the bases loaded, which scored first baseman Josh Naylor and gave Cleveland a 2-0 lead. Finally in the 5th inning, third baseman Jose Ramirez hit a two-run home run to give Cleveland a 4-0 lead and eventual win.
Starting pitcher Triston McKenzie got his first win of the season for going 5.2 innings, striking out two batters, and allowing three hits and four walks for no runs.
The 8-2 start for Cleveland marks the best record for the team since 2011.
For Chicago (1-9), the White Sox as a team accumulated four total hits, struck out six times, and left nine runners on-base. The White Sox defensively also struggled, recording three errors as a team.
Starting pitcher Tanner Banks suffered his first loss of the season for going 2.1 innings, striking out five batters, and allowing two hits and no walks for an earned run.
The Guardians will continue their home series against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday, April 9th, with first pitch at 6:10 p.m.