CLEVELAND — The race is on.

After Monday's doubleheader loss to Kansas City, the Guardians have watched their lead in the American League Central dwindle to one game over the Royals (and 2.5 games over the Minnesota Twins).

Gavin Williams (5.13 ERA) has had an up-and-down return from the injured list, and the Guardians need him to be at his best if they want retain sole possession of the divisional lead for another day. Williams will start opposite Michael Lorenzen.

Check back here for live score updates, analysis and highlights throughout Tuesday's game.

Royals beat Guardians; Tied atop the division

The Royals have beaten the Guardians 6-1, which has brought them into a tie top the AL Central (though, the Royals have also now clinched the tiebreaker).

Bobby Witt Jr. hit by pitch

Guardians reliever Pedro Avila has hit Bobby Witt Jr. with a pitch.

Royals trainers are taking a look at Witt, as he appears to be flexing his right hand. He's remaining in the game.

Royals score three runs in the seventh off Scott Barlow

After the lengthy rain delay, the Royals have jumped all over Scott Barlow, scoring three runs in the seventh inning to take a 5-1 lead.

Maikel Garcia singled home a run, the Royals scored a second run via a passed ball and Michael Massey later added an RBI single that got past a diving Josh Naylor at first base.

Guardians-Royals game to resume at 10:20 p.m. ET

The Guardians and Royals will still try to play tonight. The game is set to resume at 10:20 p.m. ET. It'll resume in the bottom of the fifth inning with the Guardians batting and the Royals leading 2-1.

Michael Lorenzen exits with left hamstring strain

Per a pressbox announcement, Royals starter Michael Lorenzen left Tuesday night's game with a left hamstring strain.

Guardians-Royals in rain delay

The tap is coming out onto the field at Progressive Field.

After the conclusion of the top of the fifth inning, the tap is being taken out, and the Guardians and Royals are now in a rain delay with Kansas City leading 2-1.

Lane Thomas hits RBI single to cut Royals' lead in half

It's fair to say that Lane Thomas has been ice cold since being acquired by the Guardians, but he did come through with an RBI single back up the middle in the fourth inning that has cut the Royals' lead to 2-1.

Brayan Rocchio diving play robs Vinnie Pasquantino of a hit: Watch the video

Brayan Rocchio helped out Gavin Williams in the fourth inning with a diving play that robbed Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino of a single.

The Royals still lead 2-0. Williams, around the home run allowed to DeJong, has struck out four.

Royals starter Michael Lorenzen exiting game due to injury

Royals starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen is leaving the game after all. A few pitches after being checked out by the team's medical staff, Lorenzen is now leaving the game. It appears as though it occurred while he was covering first, and might be a left leg injury, but that hasn't yet been announced.

The Royals lead the Guardians 2-0 in the second inning.

Michael Lorenzen possible injury: Royals checking on starting pitcher

Royals trainers are out checking on Michael Lorenzen, and having him throw a few warm-up pitches. It's unclear exactly what they're looking at just yet, but he's remaining in the game.

Paul DeJong hits another home run against Guardians

Paul DeJong continues to reward the Royals and punish the Guardians for who the trade deadline played out.

DeJong, who was available and a possible trade target of the Guardians considering their lack of production at shortstop, went deep against Cleveland for the second consecutive day, this time hitting a two-run home run to right field that gives Kansas City a 2-0 lead in the second inning.

Below is some pregame information.

Could the Guardians add Triston McKenzie, Myles Straw, other veterans to September roster?

The Guardians will soon have some decisions to make when rosters expand Sept. 1. Here are five veterans who might make the trip back to the big leagues to help in the AL Central race.

Jose Ramirez has 30/30 season in 2024

Jose Ramirez became the first Cleveland hitter in franchise history with multiple 30/30 seasons.

Watch: Machine Gun Kelly throws out first pitch at Guardians-Cubs game

MGK tossed the ceremonial first pitch, but he did so in an interesting manner that was anything but traditional.

Jhonkensy Noel's renewed approach on putting the ball in play has led to breakout 2024 season

Jhonkensy knows he has the power. It took a new focus on contact and mobility to lead to his great rookie season thus far.

Guardians name CC Sabathia to team Hall-of-Fame

CC Sabathia is now in the Guardians' Hall-of-Fame, and he offered a two-part message to Cleveland fans.

Guardians No. 1 overall draft pick Travis Bazzana meets Jose Ramirez, wants to grow the game in Australia

It all finally sank in for Travis Bazzana, the top overall draft pick in the draft, when he stepped onto the field at Progressive Field and met Jose Ramirez and others.

Cleveland Guardians 2025 schedule

Major League Baseball released the 2025 schedules.

2024 National Sports Card Convention comes to Cleveland

The National Sports Card Convention was in Cleveland recently. We broke down how we'd spend $100, ranked the most mind-blowing items we could find and listed the top collectibles for under $50.

How can I watch, listen or stream the Cleveland Guardians game today?

Both games will be televised on Bally Sports. They'll be broadcast on the radio by WTAM (1100-AM) and WMMS (100.7-FM).

Guardians schedule

The Guardians face the Royals for four games at Progressive Field before the Pittsburgh Pirates come to Cleveland for a weekend series.

This article originally appeared on Akron Beacon Journal: Cleveland Guardians score today vs. Kansas City Royals