Parker Messick pitches 6 scoreless innings, Guardians beat Dodgers

Cleveland takes series opener against two-time defending champions

Mar. 31, 2026 at 5:48am

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Left-hander Parker Messick pitched six scoreless innings and the visiting Cleveland Guardians handed the Los Angeles Dodgers their first loss of the season with a 4-2 victory on March 30. Steven Kwan had an RBI double and a run, and Daniel Schneemann added a two-run double as the Guardians won the opener of a three-game series.

Why it matters

The Guardians' win over the two-time defending champion Dodgers is an early-season statement, showing Cleveland can compete with one of the National League's powerhouse teams. Messick's strong outing against Los Angeles' left-handed heavy lineup is also a positive sign for the young Guardians pitching staff.

The details

Messick (1-0) gave up five hits with no walks and five strikeouts in his season debut, keeping the Dodgers' lineup in check. Los Angeles right-hander Roki Sasaki (0-1) allowed one run on four hits over four-plus innings in his regular-season debut, rebounding from a rough spring. The Guardians took a 1-0 lead in the third on Kwan's RBI double, then added three runs in the seventh against Dodgers reliever Justin Wrobleski.

  • The game was played on March 30, 2026.
  • Messick made his season debut in the game.

The players

Parker Messick

A left-handed pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians who pitched six scoreless innings in the win over the Dodgers.

Steven Kwan

An outfielder for the Cleveland Guardians who had an RBI double and scored a run in the win.

Daniel Schneemann

A player for the Cleveland Guardians who hit a two-run double in the seventh inning.

Roki Sasaki

A right-handed pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers who made his regular-season debut, allowing one run over four-plus innings.

Mookie Betts

An outfielder for the Los Angeles Dodgers who drove in a run in the ninth inning.

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What they’re saying

“Messick gave us a great start and the offense came through late to get the win. It's a good way to start the series against a tough opponent.”

— Terry Francona, Manager, Cleveland Guardians

What’s next

The Guardians and Dodgers will play the second game of their three-game series on April 1.

The takeaway

The Guardians' victory over the Dodgers demonstrates their ability to compete with one of the National League's elite teams, a positive sign for Cleveland's young pitching staff and lineup as they look to build on last season's success.