KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Kyle Manzardo made this opening day particular.
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Manzardo had a triple, a two-run residence run and a two-run double, main the Cleveland Guardians to a 7-4 win over the Kansas Metropolis Royals in 10 innings Thursday.
“I did it only once in college,” Manzardo mentioned with a smile after the sport. “That’s it, and then this. That’s the only time ever. It gives me tons of confidence.”
Manzardo, who made his debut in Might final season, completed the 2024 season with 12 doubles, no triples and 5 residence runs in 145 at-bats. He is thought-about a key a part of Cleveland’s lineup this season, as evidenced by his batting fifth within the order within the opener.
That was compounded with the Royals beginning Cole Ragans, a tricky left-hander who completed fourth in final season’s Cy Younger Award voting.
Manzardo got here into the sport simply desirous to contribute.
“You want to prove that you can help,” the 24-year-old designated hitter said. “I’ve hit lefties my whole life. I’m not going to tell you that I’m better against left-handed pitchers or anything, but I always hit them growing up. So, I’m excited for this year, excited to get those opportunities.”
Along with being productive, Manzardo was clutch.
He got here up with the Guardians trailing 3-0 within the fourth inning after Vinnie Pasquantino launched a three-run residence run. He stroked a one-out triple into the precise subject nook and scored on a sacrifice fly by Jhonkensy Noel.
Within the sixth, after the Guardians had drawn inside one run on one other sacrifice fly, he got here up with the tying run on first base. The Royals took out Ragans and changed him with Angel Zerpa. Manzardo hit the primary pitch he noticed for a two-run residence run.
That appeared to be the game-winner, however the Royals tied it within the backside of the ninth.
After the Guardians reclaimed the lead within the tenth, Cleveland had a runner on third with two outs. With first base open, the Royals selected to deliberately stroll veteran Carlos Santana to face Manzardo, who made them pay for that call with a two-run double to ice the sport.
“I mean, it didn’t upset me or anything,” he mentioned of the intentional stroll. “I get it, but I think anybody’s gonna take that a little bit personally. I mean, it’s just baseball.”
Then he added, somewhat sheepishly: “You know, maybe they’ll think twice about it next time.”
Cleveland supervisor Stephen Vogt mentioned he was not stunned — by the transfer or Manzardo’s response.
“We knew that they would probably do that,” Vogt mentioned. “With first base open, you have to. And for Kyle, he just wants to hit.”