Jose Ramirez and Kyle Manzardo belted home runs, and Carter Kieboom’s RBI single in the eighth proved decisive as the Guardians edged the Royals, 6-5, in spring training March 19.
Ramirez’s homer was a solo shot in the first, and Manzardo connected for a three-run shot in the second.
Tied at 5 in the eighth, Bryce Arnold walked and went to second on a wild pitch. Kieboom brought him in for the eventual winning run on a single to right.
Parker Messick started and was shaky, allowing four runs on seven hits, including three home runs in 5 2/3 innings.
Tim Herrin (1-0) got the win with a scoreless eighth, striking out a pair.
Izaak Martinez allowed two baserunners in the ninth but saw it through for his first save.
Earlier in the day March 19, a Guardians’ prospects team beat the Angels’ prospects, 4-2.
Wuilfredo Antunez had a three-run home run in the fourth.
Yorman Gomez got the win, tossing three scoreless innings. He yielded four hits, walked none and fanned one.
The Guardians take on the Mariners in another 9:05 p.m. Eastern first pitch March 20.