KANSAS CITY – The Kansas City Royals extended their winning streak to five games and improved to 7-1 on their 10-game homestand with a 5-2 victory over the Texas Rangers on Tuesday night. The Royals’ win was secured by a late-game rally, highlighted by a go-ahead run in the seventh inning and milestone home runs.
Vinnie Pasquantino got the scoring started for the Royals with a solo home run in the first inning. The game remained a pitchers’ duel for much of the night, with Royals starter Seth Lugo and Rangers starter Merrill Kelly matching each other pitch for pitch. Lugo allowed only three hits, including homers to Corey Seager and Joc Pederson, while Kelly surrendered only two hits, the first being Pasquantino’s homer.
The decisive moment came in the seventh inning. After Pasquantino doubled and two more hits loaded the bases, Rangers reliever Cole Winn hit Jonathan India with his first pitch, bringing home the go-ahead run and giving the Royals a 3-2 lead.
The Royals extended their lead in the eighth inning when Bobby Witt Jr. hit his 100th career home run, a two-run shot that sealed the win. Mike Yastrzemski also went deep for the Royals with a solo homer in the sixth.
Angel Zerpa (4-1) earned the win for the Royals with five outs in relief, and John Schreiber closed out the game for his first save of the season.
The Royals’ dominance over the Rangers this season continues, as they are now 5-0 against Texas. The Royals will look to continue their impressive homestand Wednesday night, with LHP Noah Cameron (7-5, 2.47 ERA) scheduled to take the mound. The Rangers have not announced their starter after RHP Jacob deGrom was sidelined due to shoulder fatigue. Pregame coverage on Superstar Country 102.5 FM & 1530 AM KQNK begins at 6:00 p.m. with first pitch from Kauffman Stadium set for 6:40 p.m.
