If you just hopped onto Google to search what was the final score of the guardians game, you’re probably met with a weirdly quiet screen. No box scores. No live win probabilities. No angry tweets about the bullpen.
Honestly, there’s a very simple, albeit slightly annoying reason for that.
It is January 17, 2026.
The Cleveland Guardians haven’t played a meaningful game of baseball since October 2025, and they won't throw a pitch that actually counts until late March. We are currently in that "dead zone" of the MLB calendar where the only thing moving is the hot stove and the occasional snow blower at Progressive Field.
The Last Time They Actually Took the Field
To get a real answer for what was the final score of the guardians game, we have to look back at the 2025 postseason. It wasn't exactly the fairy tale ending fans in Northeast Ohio were hoping for.
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Cleveland’s 2025 campaign ended in the American League Wild Card Series. They faced off against the Detroit Tigers, and it was a defensive grind that felt more like a chess match than a slugfest.
- Final Score of the Last Game: Tigers 2, Guardians 1.
- The Vibe: Heartbreaking.
- The Damage: Detroit took the series, sending Stephen Vogt’s squad home early after a surprisingly strong 88-win regular season.
That 2-1 loss on October 1, 2025, remains the "final score" most people are looking for when they realize the season is over. It was a game defined by missed opportunities and a Detroit pitching staff that simply wouldn't bend.
Looking Ahead: When is the Next Guardians Game?
Since there isn't a score to report today, you're likely wondering when you can actually start complaining about the strike zone again. Spring Training is right around the corner.
The Guardians are scheduled to kick off their 2026 Cactus League play in February. Their first preseason matchup is a split-squad day on Saturday, February 21, 2026. They'll be taking on the Cincinnati Reds and the Milwaukee Brewers simultaneously.
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2026 Opening Day Countdown
If you don't care about the preseason and just want the real deal, mark your calendar for March 26, 2026.
The Guardians open the 2026 regular season on the road. They’ll be heading to Seattle to take on the Mariners at T-Mobile Park. It’s a late-night 10:10 PM EST start for the Cleveland faithful, so stock up on coffee now.
Why the 2026 Season Feels Different
There’s a lot of chatter right now—even without games being played—about how Cleveland stacks up against the "super teams."
Specifically, the Los Angeles Dodgers just went out and signed Kyle Tucker to a massive $240 million deal. It's the kind of move that makes every other fanbase in the league roll their eyes. But Stephen Vogt isn't backing down. He recently told the media that if players aren't showing up to Spring Training expecting to win the World Series, they shouldn't show up at all.
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You gotta love that energy.
The Guardians finished 2025 atop the AL Central with an 88-74 record. While they didn't have the highest-scoring offense (ranking 28th in runs), their pitching was elite, finishing 4th in the league with a 3.70 ERA.
How to Stay Updated on Scores
When the season actually starts, finding what was the final score of the guardians game becomes a lot easier. You’ve basically got three main ways to track the Guards:
- The MLB App: This is the gold standard for "stat nerds" who want to see launch angles and exit velocity in real-time.
- Local Radio: There is still nothing quite like listening to Tom Hamilton call a walk-off. "A ball that is... GONE!"
- Google Scoreboard: Just keep doing what you're doing. Once March 26 hits, that search query will actually give you a live box score.
Until then, we’re all just waiting for the snow to melt and for the sound of bats cracking in Goodyear, Arizona.
Actionable Next Steps:
Check the official MLB website for the release of individual game tickets for the 2026 home opener at Progressive Field, which is set for April 3 against the Chicago Cubs. If you're planning on going, those tickets usually fly fast, especially for a high-profile interleague matchup.