Royals move to first place with win over Guardians

Get off the tracks!

Despite a lengthy rain delay in the bottom of the fifth inning, the Royals didn’t lose steam in a 6-1 win over the Guardians. The win not only puts them in first place, but clinches the season series against Cleveland.

Things got off to a quick start for Kansas City. Following a scoreless first, Paul DeJong woke up the offense with a two-run blast to the opposite field. It was DeJong’s 23rd long ball of the season.

Unfortunately, the Royals suffered a blow to their rotation in the bottom of the second. Michael Lorenzen, who had been nails since coming over from Texas, injured himself when covering first base on a fielder’s choice. An awkward stretch led to a hamstring strain and an exit from the game with two outs in the second. However, Kansas City’s bullpen had quite the performance.

With a combination of Carlos Hernandez, James McArthur, John Schreiber, Sam Long and Chris Stratton, the Royals bullpen tossed 7 ¹⁄₃ innings of one-run ball. On top of that, the offense continued to provide a cushion.

Following the delay in the fifth inning, Kansas City’s bats got a spark. Facing old friend Scott Barlow, the Royals rallied for three runs in the top of the seventh inning to extend their lead to 5-1.

Unlike Kansas City, Cleveland didn’t manage a single base runner when play resumed. Royals pitchers retired all 15 batters they faced. Freddy Fermin tacked on a run in the eighth and Stratton shut it down in the ninth.

The Royals, 75-58, will go for a four-game sweep tomorrow. Michael Wacha will duel with Tanner Bibee. First pitch is set for 12:10 p.m. CT