Cantillo pitches 8 innings, Ramrez homers as Guardians beat Royals

Joey Cantillo excelled on the mound, allowing just four hits over eight-plus innings, as the Cleveland Guardians defeated the Kansas City Royals 2-0 on Tuesday. José Ramírez was instrumental, hitting a solo home run in the first inning and adding a double, scoring twice in the game. This victory marked the Guardians' fifth consecutive win, keeping them in contention 2. 5 games behind Seattle for the final wild-card spot. Cade Smith closed the game with a scoreless ninth inning after replacing Cantillo, who gave up a leadoff single.

Royals rookie Noah Cameron struck out eight but surrendered two runs on six hits across seven innings. Bobby Witt Jr. returned to the Royals lineup after a three-game absence, and Jonathan India was activated off the 10-day IL. The Guardians' success against the Royals also clinched the season series, providing a vital head-to-head tiebreaker for postseason scenarios. The victory continues a strong stretch for Cleveland, who have won six of their last seven games.