Isbel saves the Royals in 4-2 win

“Wacha, Wacha, Wacha, Wacha.”

After falling in the series opener last night, the Royals bounced back with a 4-2 win thanks to a brilliant outing from Michael Wacha and game-saving catch from Kyle Isbel. The win clinched the season series against Tampa Bay.

The Rays began the game the same way they ended last night — with lots of loud contact. In the top of the first, Isaac Paredes banged one off the foul pole in left field to make it 1-0.

That score remained until the bottom of the third when the Royals finally broke through off Ryan Pepiot. With a runner at first and one out, Bobby Witt Jr ripped an RBI-double down the left field line to tie the game. Shortly after, Vinnie Pasquantino roped a run-scoring single to take the lead.

Wacha took that lead and shoved. Following the first inning, the right-hander held the Rays to just one hit. In total, he struck out eight over six complete innings. He also notched the 43rd Quality Start for Kansas City, which ranks third in all of baseball.

Late in the game, the Royals desperately needed cushion to protect its shaky bullpen. In their time of need, it was Salvador Perez that delivered. With two outs and two on in the bottom of the seventh, Perez blooped a two-run single to right field to make it 4-1.

The lead, though, still wasn’t enough to let Kansas City breathe easily. Chris Stratton managed to record just one out in the eighth and Tampa Bay put the tying run on base. Fortunately, James McArthur danced around the danger — keeping the two-run lead intact.

McArthur stayed on for the ninth and picked up the five-out save. However, it was only possible because of the defense of Isbel. See for yourself.

The Royals, 48-40, go for a series win tomorrow. Alec Marsh goes against Zach Eflin. First pitch is at 7:10 p.m. CT.