Rookie Chase DeLauter Powers Guardians to Home Opener Victory Over Cubs
CLEVELAND — The Cleveland Guardians kicked off their home schedule in style Friday, riding a breakout performance from rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter to a 4-1 win over the Chicago Cubs. The 22-year-old phenom delivered three hits, including a clutch two-run homer, energizing a sellout crowd at Progressive Field.
DeLauter’s seventh-inning blast off Cubs reliever Hunter Harvey sealed the victory, capping a rally that began with Gabriel Arias’ solo shot earlier in the frame. The rookie’s fifth homer of the season—tying him for the American League lead—landed 402 feet into the right-field stands, extending Cleveland’s lead to three runs.
“It’s surreal to contribute like this in front of our fans,” DeLauter said postgame. “The energy here is unmatched, and I’m just trying to keep it simple at the plate.”
Early Drama and Pitching Shifts
The Cubs struck first in the third inning when Miguel Amaya drove in a run, but their momentum stalled after starter Cade Horton exited in the second with right forearm discomfort. The 22-year-old righty, who had breezed through a perfect first inning, walked the leadoff batter in the second before signaling to the dugout. Team officials later called the move precautionary.
Cleveland capitalized in the fifth when DeLauter’s RBI single tied the game, though Arias was thrown out at home on the same play by Cubs left fielder Ian Happ. The Guardians’ bullpen took over from there, with Connor Brogdon (2-0) earning the win and Cade Smith notching his second save.
Historic Start for DeLauter
DeLauter’s early-season power surge has drawn comparisons to Trevor Story’s 2016 debut with Colorado, when the infielder homered four times in his first three games. The Guardians’ rookie has already matched that feat, adding a fifth homer Friday to fuel Cleveland’s third consecutive home-opening win.
“Chase is playing with confidence beyond his years,” said manager Stephen Vogt. “He’s seeing the ball well and impacting games when it matters.”
Weather and What’s Next
Fans enjoyed unseasonably warm conditions, with first-pitch temperatures hitting 70 degrees—the hottest for a Cleveland home opener in March or April since 1992. The series continues Saturday as Cubs left-hander Shota Imanaga (0-1, 7.20 ERA) takes on Guardians righty Slade Cecconi (0-1, 12.46 ERA).
For the Cubs, resolving Horton’s health and jumpstarting Imanaga’s adjustment to MLB will be priorities. For Cleveland, DeLauter’s emergence offers hope that their young core can contend in a tight AL Central race.
— Reported by Nexio News
