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When the Kansas City Royals host the Cleveland Guardians in the rubber match of a three-game series on Sunday afternoon, both teams will have plenty on their minds.

The Royals chipped into the Guardians' lead behind home runs from Freddy Fermin and Bobby Witt Jr. Fermin's came in the second inning, when he belted an 87 mph cutter into the Guardians' bullpen for his third home run of the season.

Cleveland is 52-52 overall and 27-27 in road games. The Guardians have a 27-10 record in games when they did not give up a home run. The teams meet Sunday for the ninth time this season. The Guardians lead the season series 5-3.

MLB - Cleveland Guardians vs. Kansas City Royals - 07/26/2025 Major League Baseball Kansas City Royals Bobby Witt Jr.

Royals rookie right fielder Jac Caglianone exited the game in the third inning with left-hamstring tightness after his first at-bat of the afternoon. The Royals inserted MJ Melendez into the game as his replacement and John Rave moved from left field to right.

Salvador Perez leads Kansas City against José Ramírez and Cleveland at Kauffman Stadium, with first pitch at 5:10 p.m. PT. New Apple TV+ subscribers can catch the action with a seven-day free trial.

KANSAS CITY — The Guardians have exchanged one infielder for another before opening their three-game series against the Royals on Friday night at Kauffman Stadium. They’ve activated Gabriel Arias from the injured list and optioned Will Wilson to Triple-A Columbus. Arias was placed on the IL with a sprained left ankle on June 30.