The Kansas City Royals entered Sunday’s action riding a wave of momentum after Salvador Perez’s record-breaking night.
Perez set the franchise record for most home runs. And the entire team showed its appreciation postgame. The club took a team photo on the field at Comerica Park and celebrated in the clubhouse.
When asked how he’d celebrate, Perez said he would focus on the game tomorrow.
On Sunday, the Royals were back in action against the Detroit Tigers. And the series finale went down to the wire.
This time, Royals second baseman Michael Massey offered some late-game heroics with a go-ahead two-run homer in the eighth inning.
Massey propelled the Royals to a 5-4 victory. He belted an 83.9 mph slider to right off Tigers left-hander Drew Sommers.
It was his fifth career home run off a left-handed pitcher; the last time was June 1 against the Cincinnati Reds.
Massey’s homer also took Royals starter Luinder Avila off the hook. The rookie starter wound up with a no decision after allowing three runs (two earned) in 4 ⅓ innings.
In the fifth inning, Avila ran into trouble as he navigated his third time through the Detroit lineup. He allowed a leadoff double to Tigers second baseman Hao-Yu Lee before walking third baseman Colt Keith.
With two baserunners aboard, Avila allowed a single to rising star Kevin McGonigle before striking out Gleyber Torres with the bases loaded.
Royals manager Matt Quatraro swiftly popped out of the dugout. He turned to left-hander Matt Strahm to face fellow lefty batter Riley Greene.
Strahm battled Greene for nine pitches. However, Greene fought off an 89.7 mph sinker that traveled back up the middle. Royals infielders Tyler Tolbert and Andrew Velazquez both went for the baseball, but neither could corral it.
Velazquez was charged with an error. Two runners scored as the Tigers pulled within one run.
A batter later, Dillon Dingler hit a two-run single as Detroit surged ahead. Avila was charged with three of the four runs in the frame.
The Royals’ offense also struggled in the middle innings. After scoring three early runs, the KC offense was silent until Massey’s homer in the eighth.
Royals outfielder Lane Thomas led off the game with a solo opposite field homer. And the club added another run as Tolbert reached on an error.
The two-run advantage was stretched further in the fourth inning. Luke Maile recorded an RBI double as Tolbert scored from first.
All three runs were charged to Tigers starter Framber Valdez. He pitched five innings and was also credited with a no decision.
Both teams turned to their bullpens late. After Massey provided the lead, the Royals got a stellar defensive play from left-fielder Isaac Collins to preserve it.
Royals right-hander John Schreiber walked Tigers infielder Zack McKinstry and allowed a one-out single to Detroit slugger Spencer Torkelson.
McKinstry tried to advance on the single. However, he was thrown out at third after a perfect throw by Collins. Royals third baseman Nick Loftin applied the tag and the call was confirmed by replay review.
Schreiber retired Tigers outfielder James Outman to end the inning. And the Royals turned to hard-throwing righty Steven Cruz in the ninth.
Cruz allowed two baserunners but worked a scoreless frame to earn his second save. He stuck out Torres and Greene to end the game.
The Royals improved to 45-62 and split the four-game series. Detroit dropped to 50-56 with the loss.
What’s next: The Royals are off Monday before continuing their 10-game road trip against the Minnesota Twins on Tuesday at Target Field.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.kansascity.com ’
