Guardians secure win over White Sox in low-scoring Home Opener

Low-scoring is one way to put it. Nearly non-existent may be better. The Cleveland Guardians and Chicago White Sox found themselves embattled in a pitcher's duel, which may or may not have been impacted by weather conditions more often found in a late-season NFL game featuring the Cleveland Browns in their lakefront stadium. Unlike the Browns, the Guardians were able to come away victorious this time around, defeating the White Sox 1-0.

With a familar face on the mound for the White Sox in MIke Clevinger in the bottom of the 9th, the Guardians were able to apply the pressure to Chicago in what would be the game's final inning. Carlos Santana's infield single got things started for the Guardians, while back-to-back walks set up the deciding at-bat of the contest.

With the bases loaded and nobody out, it was Nolan Jones coming to the plate with a chance to send what was left of a once-sold-out crowd home happy. After working the count full, Jones would watch a 91 MPH fastball from Clevinger miss the bottom part of the zone, forcing a run in and ending the game. That's right, the Guardians' home opener ended in a walk-off walk.

Are walk-off wins in this fashion exciting? To an extent, sure. But, when it comes to Home Openers, a little more offense would have been appreciated, as no one wants to sit and watch a pitcher's duel featuring five hits and 10 walks in freezing temperatures. Something to cheer about before the game's final at-bat would have kept those in the stands a little warmer throughout the contest. And, of course, it would have provided a bit more excitement along the way.

Now, no one is going to complain about winning a game they should have won. However, this Guardians team is significantly better than the White Sox, and the scoreboard should have reflected the gap in talent at game's end. But for now, a win is a win, and it could not have come at a better time.