CLEVELAND — The race is on.
After Monday's doubleheader loss to Kansas City, the Guardians have watched their lead in the American League Central dwindle to one game over the Royals (and 2.5 games over the Minnesota Twins).
Gavin Williams (5.13 ERA) has had an up-and-down return from the injured list, and the Guardians need him to be at his best if they want retain sole possession of the divisional lead for another day. Williams will start opposite Michael Lorenzen.
Check back here for live score updates, analysis and highlights throughout Tuesday's game.
The Guardians and Royals will still try to play tonight. The game is set to resume at 10:20 p.m. ET. It'll resume in the bottom of the fifth inning with the Guardians batting and the Royals leading 2-1.
Per a pressbox announcement, Royals starter Michael Lorenzen left Tuesday night's game with a left hamstring strain.
The tap is coming out onto the field at Progressive Field.
After the conclusion of the top of the fifth inning, the tap is being taken out, and the Guardians and Royals are now in a rain delay with Kansas City leading 2-1.
It's fair to say that Lane Thomas has been ice cold since being acquired by the Guardians, but he did come through with an RBI single back up the middle in the fourth inning that has cut the Royals' lead to 2-1.
Brayan Rocchio helped out Gavin Williams in the fourth inning with a diving play that robbed Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino of a single.
The Royals still lead 2-0. Williams, around the home run allowed to DeJong, has struck out four.
Royals starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen is leaving the game after all. A few pitches after being checked out by the team's medical staff, Lorenzen is now leaving the game. It appears as though it occurred while he was covering first, and might be a left leg injury, but that hasn't yet been announced.
The Royals lead the Guardians 2-0 in the second inning.
Royals trainers are out checking on Michael Lorenzen, and having him throw a few warm-up pitches. It's unclear exactly what they're looking at just yet, but he's remaining in the game.
Paul DeJong continues to reward the Royals and punish the Guardians for who the trade deadline played out.
DeJong, who was available and a possible trade target of the Guardians considering their lack of production at shortstop, went deep against Cleveland for the second consecutive day, this time hitting a two-run home run to right field that gives Kansas City a 2-0 lead in the second inning.
Below is some pregame information.
![https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?url=1EvPgD_0vBxlWr900](https://img.particlenews.com/image.php?type=thumbnail_580x000&url=1EvPgD_0vBxlWr900)
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Both games will be televised on Bally Sports. They'll be broadcast on the radio by WTAM (1100-AM) and WMMS (100.7-FM).
The Guardians face the Royals for four games at Progressive Field before the Pittsburgh Pirates come to Cleveland for a weekend series.
This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals live score updates and highlights
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