The Kansas City Royals secured their fourth consecutive victory with an 8-3 win over the Detroit Tigers on Monday night, thanks to home runs from Michael Massey and Salvador Perez. Massey kick-started the scoring in the second inning with a leadoff homer, becoming the first player to hit a home run off Tigers starter Reese Olson this season after his impressive 48 1/3 innings without allowing one. Massey continued to impress in his next at-bat, hitting a liner off Olson’s right hip, resulting in Vinnie Pasquantino scoring on a throwing error and extending the Royals’ lead to 2-0.
Unfortunately for Olson, the right hip contusion caused by Massey’s liner forced him to exit the game after just 2 2/3 innings. He had given up two runs and five hits, with one walk and two strikeouts. In the sixth inning, Perez added to the Royals’ lead with his ninth homer, leading off the inning and contributing to a string of five consecutive hits against reliever Joey Wentz. This offensive surge allowed Kansas City to score six runs and establish an 8-1 lead.
Pitcher Michael Wacha played a crucial role in the Royals’ victory, allowing only two runs and six hits in seven innings. He walked one batter and struck out three, securing his third consecutive win. Chris Stratton stepped in to record four outs and earn his third save of the season. Despite Kerry Carpenter’s efforts for the Tigers, hitting a home run and doubling to score in the seventh inning, Detroit struggled to generate enough offense. The Tigers have now lost eight of their last nine starts by Olson, scoring only 20 runs during this stretch.
The second game of the three-game series between the Royals and the Tigers is scheduled for Tuesday. RHP Alec Marsh, with a record of 3-1 and an ERA of 2.43, will be the starting pitcher for the Royals, while RHP Casey Mize, with a record of 1-2 and an ERA of 3.50, will take the mound for the Tigers. The game will commence at 6:40 p.m., and pregame coverage will be available on Classic Hits KQNK 106.7 FM & 102.5 FM starting at 6:00 p.m. from Kauffman Stadium.
