Cleveland guardians win home opener as rookie chase delauter shines

Cleveland Guardians rookie outfielder Chase DeLauter made a statement in the team's home opener, leading his squad to a 4-1 victory over the Chicago Cubs.

Delauter's three hits power guardians to third consecutive home opener win

DeLauter played the hero, notching three hits including a two-run homer in the seventh inning to drive in three runs. This marks his fifth home run of the season, tying him with Oakland Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers for the American League lead.

DeLauter's performance built on a strong outing from starting pitcher Cade Horton, who exited early in the second inning due to right forearm discomfort. Horton threw 17 pitches, including eight strikes, before being relieved. The Guardians then took the lead in the fifth inning when DeLauter's base hit scored Daniel Schneemann, tying the game at 1-1.

In the seventh, DeLauter connected on a 96.6-mph fastball from Cubs reliever Hunter Harvey, sending the ball 402 feet into right field for a two-run homer, extending the Guardians' lead to 3-1. Gabriel Arias also went deep in the seventh, hitting his second home run of the season.

The win marked the Guardians' third consecutive home opener victory. Cleveland right-hander Slade Cecconi (0-1, 12.46 ERA) will face Chicago lefty Shota Imanaga (0-1, 7.20 ERA) in Saturday's matchup.