Kwan homers, Guardians rout A’s 12-3 before crowd of just 5,425

By Eric He / Associated Press

OAKLAND — Fremont native Steven Kwan scored and reached base four times, and the Cleveland Guardians had 15 hits in a 12-3 loss to the Oakland Athletics before a crowd of just 5,425 Saturday after -noon.

Six Guardians stole bases from Kyle McCann, a 26-year-old catcher making his major league debut.

Cleveland’s Stephen Vogt tied Al Lopez in 1951 as the only manager to start his Cleveland career 3-0.

The A’s, meanwhile, lost the first three games of the season for only the second time in 28 years. Oakland began the 2021 season with a six-game losing streak.

Oakland’s woes contributed to the Guardians scoring six or more points in the first three games of the season for just the fourth time in franchise history.

“Everything is clicking,” Kwan said. “We play Guardians baseball, take extra bags, steal bases. It’s been a lot of fun.

Kwan, a former Washington High star, was able to spend time with his family this weekend, including visiting his newborn nephew for the first time.

“Those are the things that allow you to detach yourself from the game,” Kwan said. “It’s obviously a fun game, but it’s also very stressful.”

The A’s, who announced plans to move to Las Vegas for the 2028 season, drew 22,784 in their first three home games, an average of 7,595.

“From baserunning to defense to some walks, it all adds up to a crappy day,” A’s manager Mark Kotsay said.

There have been too many days like that for the A’s, who are now 14-53 in daily games since the start of last season.

Cleveland trailed 3-2 before scoring three runs in the fourth, two each in the fifth and sixth, then one in the sixth to take an 8-3 lead.

“Our guys fought back every time,” Vogt said. “I thought it just showed courage. The way those guys fought and the hitters they put together, it was great to see.

Nick Sandlin (1-0) struck out two in a hitless fifth in relief of Tanner Bibee, who allowed three runs and six hits in four innings. Bibee tied his career high with five walks.

Cleveland’s Cade Smith, a 24-year-old right-hander, pitched two hitless innings with five strikeouts and one walk in his major league debut.

Vogt praised Bibee for finishing four innings despite lacking command.

“We needed those innings today, especially with the way the bullpen was located before the game,” Vogt said. “And then the offense picked us up.”

JP Sears (0-1) allowed five runs and six hits in 3 2/3 innings. Sears went 5-14 last year as the A’s finished a major league-worst record 50-112.