Three Big Takeaways From the Cleveland Guardians' Saturday Night Win Over Seattle

The Guardians secured their second win of the 2026 season in extra innings against the Mariners.

Mar. 29, 2026 at 2:39pm

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The Cleveland Guardians have started the 2026 MLB season with a 2-1 record, including a 6-5 extra-innings win over the Seattle Mariners on Saturday night. While there have been plenty of positives, such as the explosive hitting of rookie Chase DeLauter, the team has also shown some concerning issues, including struggles from veteran outfielder Steven Kwan at the plate and continued starting pitching woes.

Why it matters

The Guardians entered the 2026 season with significant questions, so taking two games from a World Series contender like the Mariners is a big early-season accomplishment. However, the team will need to address its starting pitching issues and get its offensive stars like Kwan back on track if it hopes to compete with the best teams in baseball this year.

The details

In Saturday's win, rookie Chase DeLauter continued his torrid start to the season, hitting a game-winning two-run home run in the 10th inning. DeLauter is now batting .357 with 4 home runs through the first 3 games. Meanwhile, veteran outfielder Steven Kwan has struggled at the plate, batting just .286 with no walks. On the mound, starter Joey Cantillo lasted only 3.2 innings, allowing 4 hits, 3 walks, and 2 earned runs before being pulled.

  • The Guardians secured the win on Saturday, March 28, 2026.
  • Through the first 3 games of the 2026 season, the Guardians have a 2-1 record.

The players

Chase DeLauter

A rookie outfielder for the Cleveland Guardians who has gotten off to a historic start, batting .357 with 4 home runs in his first 3 MLB games.

Steven Kwan

A 4-time Gold Glove winning outfielder for the Guardians who has struggled at the plate to start the 2026 season, batting .286 with no walks.

Joey Cantillo

A starting pitcher for the Cleveland Guardians who lasted only 3.2 innings in Saturday's game, allowing 4 hits, 3 walks, and 2 earned runs.

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What they’re saying

“Just trying to get good swings on the ball. I mean, obviously, you know, tough night to start. Really all the way up until the end. But… I'll keep preaching a great group of guys behind me… they have my back from the second we start, to the second we finish. And think that really goes a long way.”

— Chase DeLauter

What’s next

The Guardians will look to continue their strong start to the season when they face the Mariners again on Sunday, March 29th.

The takeaway

While the Guardians have shown flashes of excellence, particularly from rookie slugger Chase DeLauter, the team will need to address its starting pitching struggles and get veteran hitters like Steven Kwan back on track if it hopes to compete with the best teams in baseball this season.