Royals Defeat Guardians 6-2 at Kauffman Stadium
Monday, May 4, 2026, 7:40 PM ET · Kauffman Stadium
Kansas City Royals 6, Cleveland Guardians 2, final. Our MLB picks are sealed as a hash before kickoff and settled in public, losses included.
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Quick answers
Who won Cleveland Guardians vs Kansas City Royals?
Kansas City Royals beat Cleveland Guardians 6-2 at Kauffman Stadium on May 4, 2026.
Who was favored in Cleveland Guardians vs Kansas City Royals?
Kansas City Royals were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -118 (about 54% implied). The favorite won.
The Kansas City Royals secured a convincing 6-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium, bringing their series record against Cleveland to a tie of 2-2. This match was notable not just for the outcome but also for the Royals' recent form, which has seen them thrive at home, boasting a record of 4-2 in their last six home games. The Royals have been on a strong run, winning seven of their last ten games, with an average of 6.2 runs scored and 4.7 runs allowed during this stretch. In contrast, the Guardians have struggled recently, posting a 4-6 record in their last ten games, with a lower scoring average of 3.5 runs per game and 3.9 runs allowed.
The game unfolded with the Guardians initially taking the lead in the second inning when Fry homered to left center, scoring Bazzana. However, the Royals responded in the fourth inning with a series of plays that turned the tide in their favor. Witt Jr. homered to left, bringing the score to 2-1, and shortly after, Perez's single allowed Pasquantino to score, leveling the game. The Royals then took control with Loftin’s single that brought in two more runs, making it 4-2.
In the sixth inning, Caglianone added to the Royals' lead with a home run to right, extending the score to 5-2. The final blow came in the seventh inning when Pasquantino's single allowed Witt Jr. to score, sealing the game at 6-2. The Royals' ability to capitalize on their scoring opportunities was evident, as they turned the game around after falling behind early.
In terms of injuries, the Royals were missing several key players, including Maikel Garcia, who is on the 10-Day IL with a hamstring injury, and Connor Seabold, who is on the 60-Day IL due to a lat issue. Additionally, Tony Gonsolin and James McArthur are also on the injured list with elbow problems, and Beck Way is sidelined with a shoulder injury. The Guardians also faced injury challenges, with Slade Cecconi on the 15-Day IL for an arm issue, Rhys Hoskins on the 10-Day IL with a back injury, and Shawn Armstrong on the 60-Day IL due to a calf injury.
The market reflected the Royals' recent home advantage, with DraftKings setting the odds at KC -118, indicating a slight favor towards the Royals. The total for the game was set at 9.0, with odds of -115 for the over and -105 for the under. The spread was listed at 1.5, again favoring the Royals.
The conditions at Kauffman Stadium were conducive to a good game of baseball, and the Royals took full advantage of their home field. This victory not only boosts their confidence but also highlights their capability to perform under pressure, especially with several key players missing.
Overall, the Royals demonstrated their offensive prowess and ability to adapt during the game, making this matchup one worth noting as they continue to navigate the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | KC -118 | 9 o -115 / u -105 | Cleveland Guardians -102 · Kansas City Royals -118 |
Injury report
- Maikel Garcia10-Day-ILHamstringKansas City Royals
- Connor Seabold60-Day-ILLatKansas City Royals
- Tony Gonsolin15-Day-ILElbowKansas City Royals
- James McArthur60-Day-ILElbowKansas City Royals
- Beck Way15-Day-ILShoulderKansas City Royals
- Slade Cecconi15-Day-ILArmCleveland Guardians
- Rhys Hoskins10-Day-ILBackCleveland Guardians
- Shawn Armstrong60-Day-ILCalfCleveland Guardians
Recent form
Kansas City Royals
Last 10: 7-3Streak W26.2 scored · 4.7 allowed per game4-2 at home
- W3-2at Seattle MarinersMay 3
- W7-6at Seattle MarinersMay 2
- L2-5at AthleticsApr 30
- W4-1at AthleticsApr 29
- W11-9vs Los Angeles AngelsApr 26
- W12-1vs Los Angeles AngelsApr 25
- W6-3vs Los Angeles AngelsApr 24
- L6-8vs Baltimore OriolesApr 22
- W6-5vs Baltimore OriolesApr 21
- L5-7vs Baltimore OriolesApr 20
Cleveland Guardians
Last 10: 4-6Streak L13.5 scored · 3.9 allowed per game2-3 away
- L1-7at AthleticsMay 3
- W8-5at AthleticsMay 2
- W3-1vs Tampa Bay RaysApr 29
- L0-1vs Tampa Bay RaysApr 28
- L2-3vs Tampa Bay RaysApr 27
- L2-4at Toronto Blue JaysApr 26
- L3-5at Toronto Blue JaysApr 25
- W8-6at Toronto Blue JaysApr 24
- L0-2vs Houston AstrosApr 22
- W8-5vs Houston AstrosApr 21
Standings
| Team | Games behind | Lost | Streak | Win % | Won |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | - | 66 | L1 | .525 | 73 |
| Cleveland | 3 | 69 | L1 | .504 | 70 |
| Minnesota | 6.5 | 73 | L1 | .479 | 67 |
| Detroit | 9 | 75 | W1 | .460 | 64 |
| Kansas City | 11.5 | 78 | L3 | .443 | 62 |
How the scoring went
- 2nd Inning2-0Fry homered to left center (406 feet), Bazzana scored.
- 4th Inning2-1Witt Jr. homered to left (422 feet).
- 4th Inning2-2Perez singled to center, Pasquantino scored.
- 4th Inning2-4Loftin singled to left, Jensen scored and Perez scored, Thomas to third.
- 6th Inning2-5Caglianone homered to right (421 feet).
- 7th Inning2-6Pasquantino singled to right, Witt Jr. scored.
Win probability
Above the line favours Kansas City Royals, below favours Cleveland Guardians.
Venue
- Kauffman StadiumKansas City, Missouri
- Attendance16434
- OfficialsVic Carapazza, John Bacon, Edwin Moscoso, Nic Lentz
Elsewhere
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These two, other days
- Royals Edge Guardians in Close Contest at Kauffman StadiumSep 27, 2026
- Cleveland Guardians Defeat Kansas City Royals 11-5Sep 26, 2026
- Guardians Edge Royals in High-Scoring AffairSep 25, 2026
- Guardians Dominate Royals in 11-1 VictoryAug 30, 2026
- Royals Defeat Guardians 8-3 in Cleveland ShowdownAug 29, 2026