Early takeaways from Guardians' successful season-opening road trip

The Cleveland Guardians' home opener is finally here. And not a moment too late.

After playing the first seven games of the season on the road, Guardians are back are back at the friendly confines of Progressive Field for a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs.

And they'll go into that series with a record of 4-3 after splitting a series agaisnt the Seattle Mariners and beating the two-time defending champions Los Angeles Dogers. Here are some takeaways from that West Coast jaunt.

The Guardians held their own on the season-opening road trip

Chase DeLauter went off

Heading into the season, there were questions about how DeLauter's first regular season action would. While hopes were high for him after an exciting spring training, his lengthy injury gave some cause for concern.

Still, there was always a feeling that this year was going to be special, and he didn't disappoint.

DeLauter wasted no time making an impression by hitting the first two home runs of his career in his first MLB game with his family in attendance.

He followed that up by hitting two more home runs across the next two games, and is currently hitting .273 (6-for-22) wih five RBI.

Although DeLauter has struck out seven times and walked just once, he's been one of the better hitters in the Guardians lineup.

Outside of him, David Fry and Rhys Hoskins are the only Guardians hitting better than.270. Steven Kwan has a .259 average, but after that, it's a drop off. Jose Ramirez is tied with DeLauter with five RBI, but he only one home run and is hitting just .143.

DeLauter has been an offensive catalyst for the Guardians so far this year, and is already starting to stake his claim for Rookie of the Year.

Gavin Williams looked like an ace

While Tanner Bibee was named the Guardians' Opening Day starter, Gavin Williams has looked like the ace so far this year. Through two starts, he has a 2.25 ERA with 17 strikeouts in just 12 innings.

Ten of those came in most recent start against the Los Angeles Dodgers. His WHIP is only at 1.08 and what's more impressive, opponent are averaging just .111 against him.

Williams has only given up four hits, three runs, and one home run in those 12 innings, though he has allowed nine walks. Overall, Williams has shown why he could be a dark horse for this year's American League Cy Young.

Yes, it's still early in the season, but if the Guardians want to keep rolling in the American League Central, they'll need Williams and the pitching staff to keep the rolling.

The offense has been a bit quiet outside of DeLauter, but they should be in plenty of games thanks to their pitching. As long as that happens, they're going to have a chacne to three-peat in the division.