Brayan Rocchio delivered a game-winning RBI single with one out in the bottom of the ninth inning Tuesday, giving the Cleveland Guardians a 2-1 victory over the visiting Kansas City Royals.

Rocchio was 0-for-3 before facing John Schreiber (0-1) with runners on first and second. He lined a single through the right side, allowing CJ Kayfus to score despite a clean throw from Lane Thomas. Kayfus had reached on a single, and Bo Naylor had drawn a walk to put him in scoring position.

Right-hander Cade Smith (2-0) earned the win, striking out two in a perfect ninth inning. Guardians pitchers limited the Royals to one hit, a solo home run by Carter Jensen in the second inning. Kansas City batters walked eight times, stranded seven runners, and struck out 14 times.

The game start was moved up by five hours due to frigid weather. While the sun shone at Progressive Field, temperatures at game time were in the low 30s with wind chills in the 20s.

Rookie Juan Brito made a memorable major league debut, doubling in his first at-bat and finishing with two hits. Cleveland promoted Brito before the game and started him at second base after placing infielder Gabriel Arias on the injured list with a strained left hamstring.

Jensen homered off right-hander Gavin Williams in the second inning, marking his third of the season and second in as many games. His homer Monday helped the Royals win the series opener 4-2. Williams struck out eight and walked five in 5 2/3 innings.

Left-hander Noah Cameron allowed one run on six hits and a walk, striking out five over 5 2/3 innings for Kansas City.

Steven Kwan tied the game in the fifth with a two-out RBI single, but Cleveland ultimately prevailed in the dramatic ninth.

The series concludes Wednesday with another afternoon matchup, scheduled for 1:10 p.m. at Progressive Field.

—Field Level Media/Reuters