Guardians, Orioles Open First Series of Season

The Cleveland Guardians open a three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles after winning five of their last six games, despite a recent 4-2 loss to Kansas City. Cleveland's pitching staff has improved, highlighted by effective relief work from Paul Sewald and Joey Cantillo and a boost from new addition Jakob Junis. Offensively, Steven Kwan leads the Guardians with a .322 average, while rookie Kyle Manzardo has contributed four home runs and 11 RBIs. The Orioles, who have a 6-9 record and have lost three of their last four games, are depending on Cedric Mullins, the team leader with three home runs and 16 RBIs, to spark a turnaround. Both teams will try to capitalize on their respective strengths—Cleveland's defense and balanced pitching, Baltimore's power hitting—during the series. This matchup is the first meeting between these teams this season.