The first game for the 2022 MLB season ended with a loss for the Cleveland Guardians, falling to the Kansas City Royals on the road Thursday by a final score of 3-1.
The Guardians were able to get on the board first with a RBI double by third baseman Jose Ramirez in the top of the 4th inning, leading 1-0. The Royals answered back in the bottom of the 5th inning, with an RBI double by second baseman Nicky Lopez to tie the game at 1-1. The Royals were able to pull away in the bottom of the 8th inning with an RBI double by young third baseman Bobby Witt Jr, his first major league hit of his career, along with an RBI single by outfielder Andrew Benintendi to take a 3-1 lead and eventually the win.
For the Guardians (0-1), ace pitcher Shane Bieber went 4.2 innings pitched, striking out four batters while allowing three hits and an earned run. Relief pitcher Triston McKenzie gets the loss, going 3.0 innings pitched while walking two batters and allowing two earned runs.
For the Royals (1-0), starting pitcher Zack Greinke went 5.2 innings pitched with five hits and an earned run, while relief pitcher Scott Barlow gets the win, going 2.0 innings and allowing two hits but striking out three batters.
The Guardians next game will be another matchup with the Royals on the road on Saturday, April 9th, with first pitch set for 4:10 p.m.