Royals stay within striking distance of Cleveland in division race
Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro and his Royals remain in contention in the American League Central Division, despite a recent 4-6 stretch.
The Royals were 39-29 and 5½ games behind division leader Cleveland through Tuesday night’s 10-1 drubbing by the New York Yankees at Kauffman Stadium. The loss was part of a 10-game stretch that began with a three-game home interleague series with San Diego, and included a two-game road series with Cleveland, a three-game series with Seattle and the first two games of a four-game series with the Yankees.
Kansas City dropped two of three against San Diego. The Royals then split their series with Cleveland, won two of three against Seattle and dropped their first two with New York.
After dropping their first two games with San Diego, the Royals avoided a sweep by edging the Padres 4-3. Nick Loftin, Vinnie Pasquantino and Nelson Velazquez combined for the RBIs in the June 2 victory. Pitching the ninth inning in relief, Will Klein got the win.
The Royals also won the last game of their series with Cleveland. After falling 8-5 June 4, they staged a 4-3 comeback win June 5 at Progressive Field. A run in the first, two in the sixth and one in the eighth helped Kansas City get the victory.
Outfielder Kyle Isbel powered Kansas City with two RBIs, including the go-ahead run in the eighth. Pasquantino and Hunter Renfroe had an RBI each.
Sam Long got the pitching win in relief. James McArthur got the save.
The Royals won the first game of their series with Seattle. Trailing 8-0, they rallied for a 10-9 win June 7 at Kauffman. They then downed the Mariners 8-4 June 8 before falling 6-5 Sunday.
Kansas City opened its series with New York with a 4-2 loss Monday. Bobby Witt Jr. and Freddy Fermin each drove in a run for the Royals.
The Yankees built a 10-0 lead through the first seven innings Tuesday. Fermin’s eighth-inning solo homer spoiled New York’s bid for a shutout.
After finishing their series with the Yankees, the Royals are slated for a nine-game road trip, starting this weekend with a three-game series with the Los Angeles Dodgers.