Guardians’ Gavin Williams impressive in win over Royals; Terry Francona misses game

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Gavin Williams held Kansas City to one hit through seven innings in his second major league start, Will Brennan hit a two-run double in the ninth inning, and the Guardians rallied past the Royals, 2-1, on June 27.

Kansas City had broken a scoreless tie in the eighth on a comebacker by Nicky Lopez against Trevor Stephan (4-3), who threw wildly to the plate while trying to cut down the run.

Emmanuel Clase worked around another error in the ninth to complete the two-hitter and earn his 24th save.

Williams, Cleveland’s top pitching prospect, was superb after his slightly shaky debut last week. He struck out six, walked one and needed only 92 pitches to get through seven innings. Williams became the second pitcher in franchise history with a one-hit outing of seven innings or more during his first two appearances.

He faced his only real trouble in the third and retired Bobby Witt Jr. on a lineout with two runners on.

The Guardians improved to 38-40, and are just a half-game out of the first place in the American League Central behind the Twins (40-41).

Guardians manager Terry Francona missed the game. He felt ill earlier June 27 and was taken to a hospital to be evaluated because of his medical history.

The team said the 64-year-old Francona was being taken to The University of Kansas Health Systems to be evaluated “out of an abundance of caution” given his medical history. Francona missed much of the 2020 and 2021 seasons due to a variety of physical issues.

Francona handled all his usual pregame media duties and was on the field for batting practice before needing attention. He was seen by medical personnel at Kauffman Stadium before being transported to the hospital.

Bench coach DeMarlo Hale, who has filled in for Francona in the past, is managing the Guardians for the opener of the three-game series. Hale managed Cleveland for the final 63 games in 2021.