The Kansas City Royals have caught up with the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Central with three consecutive wins in a head-to-head matchup in Cleveland.
The Royals took a 6-1 victory on Tuesday thanks to new addition Paul DeJong. The veteran third baseman hit a game-winning two-run home run to put the Royals in first place.
KC (75-58) managed to draw level with the Guardians in the division. The Royals hadn’t been in first place since April 13.
In the second inning, DeJong caught a 98 mph fastball from Guardians starter Gavin Williams. The ball flew 395 feet over the center field wall in right.
The quick lead came at a price. Later in the second inning, Royals right-hander Michael Lorenzen had to leave the game with a strained left thigh. He apparently sustained the injury while running quickly to first base.
Lorenzen, signed from the Texas Rangers, has been solid in five starts for the Royals. He has a 1.85 ERA in 24 ⅓ innings with the club.
The Royals led 2-1 before heavy rain halted play in the fifth inning. When play resumed, KC clinched the game.
The infield duo of Maikel Garcia and Michael Massey hit RBI singles against Guardians relief pitcher and former Royal Scott Barlow. The Royals scored three runs against Barlow to take a late four-run lead.
From there, KC relied on the bullpen to close the game, with Royals relief pitchers James McArthur, John Schreiber, Sam Long and Chris Stratton helping secure the club’s third consecutive win.
KC has won seven of nine games against Cleveland and won the regular season series.
Have you missed previous games in the series?
Game 1: Royals climb up the AL Central table with away win against Guardians
Game 2: Salvador Perez’s monster night leads to Royals’ doubleheader sweep
Here are other notable events from Tuesday’s game:
Carlos Hernandez shines as emergency helper
The Royals turned to right-handed reliever Carlos Hernandez in a crucial situation. He stepped in in the second inning after Lorenzen left due to injury.
And it was a difficult situation.
Hernandez inherited two runners on base. He was assigned to face catcher Bo Naylor after throwing a few warm-up pitches. The quick change was no obstacle as Hernandez threw out Naylor, ending the chance to hit.
The Royals let Hernandez play 2 ⅓ innings, allowing one run before the game was called off due to rain.
Speaking of …
Royals have to wait because of rain
The Royals led 2-1 before play was temporarily suspended due to heavy rain. In the fifth inning, the Guardians were ready to bat before grounds personnel covered Progressive Field.
The rain delay lasted 2 hours and 14 minutes.
Play resumed at 9:20 p.m. Central Time, with Guardians shortstop Brayan Rocchio first to face McArthur. The Royals right-hander went two innings and struck out four batters in his relief appearance.
The final on Wednesday is for the AL Central leadership
The Royals finish their four-game series against the Guardians on Wednesday. KC right-hander Michael Wacha will start in the early matinee.
Wacha has an 11-6 record and a 3.47 ERA. He has won seven straight games against the Texas Rangers since June 22.
The Guardians will start with right-hander Tanner Bibee, who has a 10-6 record and a 3.46 ERA in 25 starts during the 2024 season.
