September is the time for roster expansion, so the Cleveland Guardians called up Kyle Manzardo and welcomed Alex Cobb back from the injured list.

Cobb threw six perfect innings, and Manzardo hit the first two homers of his career in a 6-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday.

SUNDAY KICKOFF

Andres Gimenez wasted no time putting the Guardians on top with a solo homer to center field in the first inning.

Later in the inning, Jhonkensy Noel doubled to score Jose Ramirez.

Manzardo walloped a home run to right center field in the fourth, and then he did it again in the sixth!

Meanwhile, Cobb was mowing down the first 18 batters he faced.

Pittsburgh scored its only run in the seventh when Isaiah Kiner-Falefa scored on a throwing error by Guardians catcher Austin Hedges.

LET’S JUST BE SAFE

Cleveland wasn’t content with a 4-1 lead, so Ramirez blasted his 34th home run of the season to the left-field porch in the seventh inning.

Ramirez hit his 250th career home run on the 11th anniversary of his major-league debut with the Cleveland Indians.

Lane Thomas added another run in the seventh with a single to score Josh Naylor.

The Guardians’ bullpen was dominant as usual, as Cade Smith, Hunter Gaddis, and Tim Herrin didn’t allow a hit in the last three innings.

Next up is a visit to Kansas City, where the Royals have lost five straight games. Cleveland leads KC and Minnesota by 3½ games in the AL Central.

Gavin Williams (2-7) will start for Cleveland today against the Royals’ Michael Wacha (11-6). First pitch is scheduled for 4:10 p.m.