Guardians Dominate Royals in Series Finale
Wednesday, April 8, 2026, 1:10 PM ET · Progressive Field
Cleveland Guardians 10, Kansas City Royals 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 Kansas City Royals vs Cleveland Guardians?
Cleveland Guardians beat Kansas City Royals 10-2 at Progressive Field on April 8, 2026.
Who was favored in Kansas City Royals vs Cleveland Guardians?
Kansas City Royals were the favorite at DraftKings, moneyline -136 (about 58% implied). The underdog won.
The Cleveland Guardians secured a decisive victory over the Kansas City Royals, winning the game 10-2 at Progressive Field. This win allowed the Guardians to clinch the series 2-1 against the Royals. The Guardians' strong performance was highlighted by a powerful offensive display, particularly in the eighth inning, where they scored six runs, including a home run from Martínez that brought in four runs.
In terms of recent form, the Guardians have shown resilience, finishing their last ten games with a record of 5-4-1. They are currently on a one-game winning streak and have averaged 2.4 runs scored and 2.4 runs allowed per game during this stretch. At home, their record stands at 2-2 over the last five games, with an average of 1.6 runs scored and 1.4 runs allowed. In contrast, the Royals have struggled recently, with a record of 4-5-1 in their last ten games. They are on a one-game losing streak and have averaged 3.5 runs scored and 3.9 runs allowed. Their away record in the last five games is 2-2, with an average of 2.4 runs scored and 3.4 runs allowed.
Historically, the Guardians have an edge over the Royals in their recent meetings, holding a record of 8-5-1 against them in the last two seasons. This series included two close games, with the Guardians winning 2-1 in the first game of the series and the Royals taking the second game 4-2.
Injury concerns have affected both teams. The Guardians are missing Slade Cecconi (arm), Rhys Hoskins (back), and Shawn Armstrong (calf), all of whom are on the injured list. The Royals have also faced challenges with injuries, including Maikel Garcia (hamstring), Connor Seabold (lat), Tony Gonsolin (elbow), James McArthur (elbow), and Beck Way (shoulder) all on the injured list.
The betting market for the game, as provided by DraftKings, listed the Royals at -136 on the money line, with a spread of 1.5 and a total set at 7.0 runs. The odds for the over were at 102.0, while the under was at -122. The Guardians were positioned at +113.0 on the money line, reflecting the market's expectations prior to the game.
Weather conditions at Progressive Field were likely conducive to play, though specific details were not provided in the block. Fans were treated to a display of offensive prowess, particularly from the Guardians, who capitalized on their opportunities to score.
Overall, this game showcased the Guardians' ability to dominate offensively and highlighted the Royals' struggles in both scoring and pitching. The Guardians' victory not only secured them the series win but also reinforced their competitive edge in the early part of the season.
Odds
| Book | Spread | Total | Moneyline |
|---|---|---|---|
| DraftKings | KC -136 | 7 o +102 / u -122 | Kansas City Royals -136 · Cleveland Guardians +113 |
Injury report
- Slade Cecconi15-Day-ILArmCleveland Guardians
- Rhys Hoskins10-Day-ILBackCleveland Guardians
- Shawn Armstrong60-Day-ILCalfCleveland Guardians
- 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
Recent form
Cleveland Guardians
Last 10: 5-4-1Streak W12.4 scored · 2.4 allowed per game2-2 at home
- W2-1vs Kansas City RoyalsApr 7
- L2-4vs Kansas City RoyalsApr 6
- L0-1vs Chicago CubsApr 5
- D0-0vs Chicago CubsApr 4
- W4-1vs Chicago CubsApr 3
- W4-1at Los Angeles DodgersApr 2
- L1-4at Los Angeles DodgersApr 1
- W4-2at Los Angeles DodgersMar 31
- W6-5at Seattle MarinersMar 29
- L1-5at Seattle MarinersMar 28
Kansas City Royals
Last 10: 4-5-1Streak L13.5 scored · 3.9 allowed per game2-2 away
- L1-2at Cleveland GuardiansApr 7
- W4-2at Cleveland GuardiansApr 6
- L5-8vs Milwaukee BrewersApr 5
- L2-5vs Milwaukee BrewersApr 4
- D0-0vs Milwaukee BrewersApr 3
- L1-5vs Minnesota TwinsApr 2
- W13-9vs Minnesota TwinsApr 1
- W3-1vs Minnesota TwinsMar 30
- W4-1at Atlanta BravesMar 29
- L2-6at Atlanta BravesMar 28
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
- 1st Inning0-2DeLauter doubled to center, Fry scored and Ramírez scored.
- 1st Inning0-3Hoskins doubled to left, DeLauter scored.
- 2nd Inning0-4Ramírez doubled to right, Kwan scored, Martínez to third.
- 4th Inning1-4Witt Jr. doubled to left, Garcia scored.
- 5th Inning2-4Marte doubled to center, Thomas scored on fielding error by center fielder Kwan.
- 5th Inning2-5Brito doubled to right, Hoskins scored.
- 8th Inning2-6Rocchio singled to right, Brito scored, Hedges to second.
- 8th Inning2-10Martínez homered to right center (374 feet), Hedges scored, Rocchio scored and Kwan scored.
Win probability
Above the line favours Cleveland Guardians, below favours Kansas City Royals.
Venue
- Progressive FieldCleveland, Ohio
- Attendance14734
- OfficialsDan Iassogna, James Jean, Adam Beck, Ben May
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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