Angel Martinez Credits Teammates For Four-Hit Performance in Royals Series Finale

The Cleveland Guardians outfielder had a standout game, hitting a grand slam to help sweep the Kansas City Royals.

Apr. 9, 2026 at 9:53pm

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A cubist-style painting featuring overlapping geometric shapes and planes in navy, green, and red, conveying the dynamic action and energy of a baseball game without depicting any specific players or logos.A cubist interpretation of the Guardians' series-clinching victory, capturing the dynamic energy of the game through fragmented shapes and bold colors.Kansas City Today

In the Cleveland Guardians' series finale against the Kansas City Royals, outfielder Angel Martinez had a standout performance, going 4-for-5 at the plate with a grand slam that helped secure the 10-2 victory. Martinez credited his teammates, particularly José Ramírez, for keeping him calm and focused throughout the game, even after a small mistake on the basepaths.

Why it matters

Martinez's four-hit game, including the game-clinching grand slam, showcases his continued development as a key part of the Guardians' young and talented outfield. His ability to play both the outfield and infield, as well as bat from both sides of the plate, makes him a valuable asset for the team.

The details

Martinez's four RBIs came off a grand slam in the bottom of the eighth inning, which helped the Guardians complete the series sweep of the Royals. Earlier in the game, Martinez had a small blunder trying to advance to third base on a double, but his teammate José Ramírez helped calm him down and keep him focused. Martinez's advanced metrics, including his xwOBA, xBA, xSLG, K%, and Whiff%, all show he is continuing to trend in the right direction.

  • The game took place on Wednesday, April 8, 2026.
  • Martinez hit the game-clinching grand slam in the bottom of the eighth inning.

The players

Angel Martinez

A young outfielder for the Cleveland Guardians who is emerging as a key part of the team's future.

José Ramírez

A veteran Guardians player who helped mentor the younger Martinez and keep him calm during the game.

Rhys Hoskins

A Guardians player who also had a strong game, knocking three doubles.

CJ Kayfus

A Guardians player who has been contributing offensively, including hitting a home run recently.

Austin Hedges

A Guardians player who has provided consistent production at the plate.

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What they’re saying

“Look at what I did today. I made that mistake right away, but when I got to the dugout, he [Jose] said, 'You cool, you cool, you cool. Like, go play defense and you're going to be good.' When you got guys like that, it makes it so easy because you just go to the field and have fun.”

— Angel Martinez, Guardians Outfielder

“Yeah, I feel like this game, especially at this level, it's a lot of mental. And for me, just working on my mechanics and staying in rhythm, and just like staying on that mental side too, like at the highest level. It's been really good for me.”

— Angel Martinez, Guardians Outfielder

“For me, it's definitely good having Hosey, having Hoskins here. I've been able to see how Hosey stays so focused, like to get where he is at right now. And for me, that's a big takeaway, seeing him every day. Hoskins talked to me a lot, 'You're good, you're good, stay how you are, stay how you are.'”

— Angel Martinez, Guardians Outfielder

What’s next

The Guardians will look to continue their strong start to the season as they take on their division rivals, the Detroit Tigers, in a three-game series starting on Friday, April 10.

The takeaway

Angel Martinez's standout performance, both at the plate and in the field, highlights the Guardians' depth and the team's ability to develop young talent. With veteran leadership from players like José Ramírez and Rhys Hoskins, Martinez is poised to be a key contributor for the Guardians as they build towards the future.