On April 13, 2025, the Kansas City Royals clashed with the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field in a gripping MLB matchup. The Royals secured a 4-2 victory, driven by standout performances.
This article dives into the Kansas City Royals vs Cleveland Guardians match player stats, highlighting key contributors and analyzing their impact. For fans and analysts, these stats reveal the game’s dynamics and individual brilliance.
Baseball thrives on numbers, and this game was no exception. From home runs to strikeouts, player stats paint a vivid picture of the action. Consequently, we’ll explore batting, pitching, and defensive performances to understand how the Royals triumphed and what it means for both teams moving forward.
Game Summary
The Guardians took an early lead in the second inning. Daniel Schneemann’s double, combined with an error by Royals’ shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., allowed Jhonkensy Noel and Schneemann to score, making it 2-0.
In the fourth inning, the Royals fought back. Salvador Perez launched a two-run home run, bringing Vinnie Pasquantino home and tying the game at 2-2. This blast shifted momentum. Then, in the fifth, Maikel Garcia’s double drove in Freddy Fermin and Kyle Isbel, giving the Royals a 4-2 lead they wouldn’t relinquish.
Pitching was crucial. Cole Ragans dominated for the Royals, throwing 7.2 innings with ten strikeouts. In contrast, Ben Lively struggled for the Guardians, allowing four runs. Ultimately, the Royals’ timely hitting and strong pitching secured the win, improving their record to 9-8, while the Guardians fell to 8-7.
Royals’ Player Stats
The Royals’ offense came alive at key moments. Maikel Garcia led the way, going 3-for-4 with a double and two RBIs. His fifth-inning double was a game-changer, driving in two runs. Additionally, Garcia’s .750 batting average and 1.000 slugging percentage highlighted his dominance in this matchup.
Salvador Perez also shone brightly. His two-run home run in the fourth tied the game, finishing 1-for-4 with a .500 slugging percentage. Moreover, Perez’s power at the plate energized the team. Kyle Isbel was perfect, going 3-for-3 with a double and a run scored, boasting a 1.000 batting average.
Vinnie Pasquantino contributed by reaching base twice and scoring a run. His patience set up Perez’s homer. Meanwhile, Bobby Witt Jr. went 1-for-4 but committed an error that cost two runs. Other players like Michael Massey and MJ Melendez struggled, combining for no hits but providing solid defense.
On the mound, Cole Ragans was exceptional, pitching 7.2 innings and allowing one earned run. His ten strikeouts and zero walks resulted in a 1.20 ERA for the game. Furthermore, Lucas Erceg and Carlos Estévez closed out the game, with Estévez earning a save by striking out three in the ninth.
| Royals Batters | AB | R | H | 2B | HR | RBI | BB | SO |
| Maikel Garcia | 4 | 0 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Salvador Perez | 4 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 0 | 0 |
| Kyle Isbel | 3 | 1 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Vinnie Pasquantino | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Bobby Witt Jr. | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Royals Pitchers | IP | H | ER | SO | BB | GSc |
| Cole Ragans | 7.2 | 4 | 1 | 10 | 0 | 75 |
| Lucas Erceg | 0.1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | – |
| Carlos Estévez | 1.0 | 1 | 0 | 3 | 0 | – |
Guardians’ Player Stats
The Guardians’ offense struggled to maintain momentum. Daniel Schneemann was a standout, going 1-for-3 with a double, an RBI, and a run scored. His second-inning double sparked the early lead. Similarly, Jhonkensy Noel scored a run and had a hit, showing promise as a young talent.
Steven Kwan and Carlos Santana each went 1-for-4, but both left runners on base. José Ramírez, a key offensive player, went hitless, which hurt the Guardians’ chances. Additionally, players like Gabriel Arias and Angel Martínez struggled, combining for no hits and four strikeouts, limiting the team’s offensive output.
Ben Lively took the loss, pitching six innings and allowing four runs on seven hits. His 6.00 ERA for the game reflected his struggles. However, the bullpen performed well. Jakob Junis threw a scoreless inning, and Joey Cantillo was impressive, striking out four over two shutout innings.
| Guardians Batters | AB | R | H | 2B | HR | RBI | BB | SO |
| Daniel Schneemann | 3 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
| Jhonkensy Noel | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Steven Kwan | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Carlos Santana | 4 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 |
| José Ramírez | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Guardians Pitchers | IP | H | ER | SO | BB | GSc |
| Ben Lively | 6.0 | 7 | 4 | 5 | 2 | 45 |
| Jakob Junis | 1.0 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 0 | – |
| Joey Cantillo | 2.0 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 0 | – |
Key Performers Analysis
Maikel Garcia and Salvador Perez were the Royals’ offensive stars. Garcia’s .750 batting average and two RBIs were pivotal, while Perez’s home run shifted the game’s momentum. In contrast, Daniel Schneemann’s double was the Guardians’ highlight, but their lack of consistent hitting limited their scoring. José Ramírez’s hitless performance was a significant setback.
Pitching-wise, Cole Ragans outshone Ben Lively. Ragans’s ten strikeouts and 1.20 ERA showcased his dominance, while Lively’s 6.00 ERA reflected his struggles.
Additionally, the Royals’ bullpen was flawless, whereas the Guardians’ relievers, despite strong outings, couldn’t overcome the early deficit. Ultimately, the Royals’ execution in clutch moments made the difference.
Impact on the Season
This game was a key moment in the AL Central race. The Royals’ win improved their record to 9-8, boosting their confidence. Garcia and Ragans emerged as key players to watch. Conversely, the Guardians, now 8-7, need to address their offensive inconsistencies. Ramírez and Kwan must lead, supported by young talents like Noel.
Both teams have a competitive history, with the Guardians often contending for playoffs and the Royals aiming to reclaim past glory. Consequently, games like these set the tone for the season. As the 2025 season progresses, consistent performances from stars and emerging players will be crucial for both teams’ success.
Defensive Highlights and Lows
Defense played a mixed role. Bobby Witt Jr.’s second-inning error allowed two unearned runs, putting the Royals in an early hole. However, they tightened up afterward, with no further errors.
The Guardians’ defense was flawless, with no errors, but they couldn’t capitalize offensively. Catchers Freddy Fermin and Salvador Perez managed the Royals’ pitching effectively, while Austin Hedges was steady for the Guardians.
Conclusion
The April 13, 2025, matchup between the Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Guardians was a showcase of baseball talent. Maikel Garcia, Salvador Perez, and Cole Ragans led the Royals to victory, while Daniel Schneemann and Joey Cantillo shone for the Guardians.
These Kansas City Royals vs Cleveland Guardians match player stats highlight the game’s intensity and individual brilliance.
For fans, this game underscores why baseball captivates us—every stat tells a story. As the season continues, both teams will build on these performances. Stay tuned for more MLB analysis, player stats, and game breakdowns to keep up with the excitement of the 2025 season.
