The Kansas City Royals were dealt a blow early in their series opener against the Cleveland Guardians.
Designated hitter David Fry hit a two-run home run in the second inning, and it felt like an early tone setter.
It was also a familiar feeling: Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha has given up a homer in five of his last six starts.
But Wacha responded and didn’t relinquish another run through seven innings pitched. Then the Royals’ bats, which have aided the recent hot streak, came alive and took over the game — a 6-2 win at Kauffman Stadium.
Here’s a recap of Monday’s action…
Fourth inning was key for the Royals
The Royals took a 4-2 lead in a dynamic fourth inning, taking advantage of Cleveland’s mistakes and riding that momentum to another win.
The Royals had only seven hits on the night, but they were timely and clutch — with several driving in runners in scoring position.
Bobby Witt Jr. began the fourth inning with a solo home run that quickly got to 422 feet in left center field. On the next pitch, Vinnie Pasquantino smacked the ball off the right field wall and slid headfirst to second for a double.
Salvador Perez drove Pasquantino home with a single that went through starting pitcher Tanner Bibee’s legs — and through the legs of former No. 1 prospect and Cleveland second baseman Travis Bazzana into center field.
Hometown catcher Carter Jensen took a curveball down the right field line to put runners at the corners. Bibee walked Lane Thomas to load the bases.
Bibee struck out Jac Caglianone and outfielder Isaac Collins before second baseman Nick Loftin slid a smooth-rolling grounder between short and third for a two-run RBI double with two outs. Jensen was initially called out after running home from second but was ruled safe after the Royals challenged.
The Royals later added insurance runs. A Caglianone solo homer (his fourth on the season) in the sixth off reliever Matt Festa carried into the right field stands without a doubt for a 5-2 lead.
A Pasquantino line drive over the head of first baseman Rhys Hoskins drove in a run to make it 6-2, clinching a free Hawaiian Bros meal for some fans.
Michael Wacha & Royals pitchers delivered
Wacha (3-2, 3.05 ERA) ended his evening surrendering four hits, two earned runs, a walk and a home run while collecting three strikeouts through seven innings. The Guardians threatened in the seventh with runners on second and third with two outs, but a lineout from catcher Bo Naylor poured water on the small flame.
Lefty reliever Matt Strahm took care of the eighth inning without a scratch; righty Alex Lange got the save in just three-at bats.
With the win, the Royals moved closer to the top of the congested AL Central.
KC improved to 16-19, narrowly trailing the first-place Guardians (18-18) after four straight wins, including a rare road sweep of last season’s AL Champion, the Seattle Mariners. The Detroit Tigers are also 18-18.
What’s next: Game 2 of the series is set for 6:40 p.m. Tuesday with Royals lefty Noah Cameron (2-2, 5.40 ERA) and Cleveland’s Gavin Williams (5-1, 2.70) as the probable starters.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.kansascity.com ’
