Guardians Triumph Over Royals 6-4 in Exciting July Showdown

The Cleveland Guardians got their payback in the nightcap of a doubleheader against the Kansas City Royals. Timely hitting, solid pitching, and Steven Kwan’s late-game heroics made the difference.

Saturday night’s 6-4 win showed off the Guardians’ grit, splitting the twin bill after a tough loss earlier in the day. Fans saw plenty of drama and standout plays as Cleveland kept their offense rolling into Sunday’s series finale.

Steven Kwan Sparks Guardians’ Offense with a Monumental Home Run

Steven Kwan’s bat came alive at just the right time in the sixth inning. His 431-foot two-run homer splashed into the right-field fountains at Kauffman Stadium, stretching Cleveland’s lead to 6-2.

Kwan, who’s usually all about contact, rarely hits them that far. This one was huge, lighting up the Guardians dugout and, honestly, probably sealing the game.

Cleveland’s Offense Jumps Out Early

The Guardians wasted no time putting pressure on Royals starter Kris Bubic, who unraveled almost immediately. Cleveland took advantage of Bubic’s wildness, drawing four straight walks to grab their first run.

Carlos Santana worked an RBI walk—classic Santana, really. Johnathan Rodríguez then ripped a two-run double, giving Cleveland a 3-0 lead before most people even found their seats.

Daniel Schneemann added a sacrifice fly in the third, and the Guardians just kept rolling.

Tanner Bibee’s Resilience on the Mound

Starting pitcher Tanner Bibee showed again why he’s such a reliable piece of the Guardians’ rotation. He gave up four runs on seven hits but struck out eight over five innings, picking up his third straight win.

Bibee battled through some rough spots, especially against the top of the Royals lineup, but kept things under control after the third. He handed the ball off to the bullpen with a 6-4 lead.

Defensive Redemption: Clase Closes the Door

Emmanuel Clase got a shot at redemption after taking the loss in game one. In the nightcap, he bounced back and locked down his 24th save of the season.

Clase brought his usual heat, shutting down any hope of a Royals rally. That’s got to feel good for him, and it reminded everyone why he’s one of the best closers in baseball.

Kansas City Shines in Defeat with Two-Run Homers

The Royals didn’t go quietly, though. Bobby Witt Jr. belted a two-run homer early, keeping Kansas City in the game.

Backup catcher Freddy Fermin chipped in with another two-run shot later, showing some unexpected pop in the lineup.

Kris Bubic Struggles in the Spotlight

Kansas City starter Kris Bubic just didn’t have it Saturday night. He threw 42 pitches in the first inning alone and couldn’t find the zone.

Bubic gave up four runs on three hits and four walks in just 2 2/3 innings. His command issues dug a hole the Royals couldn’t escape.

Historic Achievement for Carlos Santana

Carlos Santana hit a special milestone, drawing his 133rd career walk against the Royals. That ties him with Rickey Henderson for the most walks ever drawn against Kansas City.

Santana’s patience at the plate is still a huge asset for Cleveland, and this record just adds to his reputation for getting under pitchers’ skin.

Guardians Keep the Power Surge Alive

Saturday night’s fireworks kept Cleveland’s home-run streak going. The Guardians have now homered in 14 of their last 16 games, which is honestly a bit wild for them.

If Kwan’s blast is any sign, they’re starting to lean into the long ball as a real weapon down the stretch.

What’s Next?

The Guardians and Royals will face off in Sunday’s series finale. Cleveland sends Joey Cantillo to the mound to take on Kansas City’s Noah Cameron.

Both teams want to build some momentum. It feels like we’re in for another must-watch matchup in what’s already been a pretty entertaining series.

Cleveland’s riding high after Saturday night’s doubleheader split. Fans are probably hoping for more fireworks—and maybe a clutch moment or two—as the series wraps up.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Guardians 6-4 Royals (Jul 26, 2025) Game Recap