CLEVELAND (AP) — Julio Rodríguez, the reigning AL Rookie of the Year, hit a two-run homer as the Seattle Mariners spoiled Cleveland’s home opener by beating the Guardians 5-3.
Rodríguez connected in the sixth inning for the Mariners, who were down 3-0 in their first road game.
The 22-year-old Rodríguez hit 28 homers last season while helping Seattle end its 21-year playoff drought. J.P. Crawford had a pair of RBI doubles off Aaron Civale for Seattle, which dropped three of four to Cleveland at home last week.
Josh Bell drove in a run for the Guardians, who couldn’t hold onto their lead in front of a sellout crowd of 34,821 fans at Progressive Field.
Travis Kelce showed why he’s best known for catching passes from Patrick Mahomes, not throwing them.
Kansas City’s star tight end threw a wild ceremonial first pitch before the game.
The Cleveland Heights native bounced his pitch way in front of the plate and Guardians pitcher Shane Bieber jumped out of the way to avoid injury as the ball rolled into the backstop.