CLEVELAND (Interstat) — Parker Messick struck out nine over eight strong innings and José Ramírez hit a two-run homer in the first to lead the Cleveland Guardians to a 4-2 win over the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday night at Progressive Field.

Messick allowed just two hits and two earned runs to improve to 3-0. His performance backed an early lead provided by Ramírez’s blast off losing pitcher Shane Baz. Cleveland added runs in the fifth and sixth innings.

Baltimore scored twice in the ninth on a sacrifice fly and an RBI double by Pete Alonso, but Cade Smith secured the final out for his fourth save. The announced attendance was 14,748. The Guardians improved to 11-9, while the Orioles fell to 9-10.