KANSAS CITY – Behind a masterful, low-pitch performance from Michael Wacha and a power display by Bobby Witt Jr., the Kansas City Royals extended their winning streak to four games with a 6-2 victory over the Cleveland Guardians on Monday night.
The Royals have now won eight of their last 10 contests, continuing a hot stretch that has the clubhouse buzzing.
Wacha Dominates with Efficiency
Michael Wacha (3-2) was the story on the mound, delivering seven stellar innings while throwing a remarkably low 79 pitches. After surrendering a two-run home run to Cleveland’s David Fry in the second inning, Wacha completely shut the door, retiring 16 of the next 17 batters he faced.
The veteran right-hander has proven to be a riddle the Guardians can’t solve, having allowed only three runs across 14 innings in his two starts against them this season. Following Wacha’s exit, Matt Strahm and Alex Lange closed out the game; the three pitchers combined for a total of just 95 pitches on the night.
A Decisive Fourth Inning
The Royals’ offense woke up in the bottom of the fourth to erase a 2-0 deficit:
- Bobby Witt Jr. ignited the rally with a towering 422-foot solo home run. After a slow power start to the season, Witt has now found his stroke, hitting three homers in his last eight games.
- Salvador Perez evened the score with an RBI single that skipped through the legs of pitcher Tanner Bibee.
- Nick Loftin delivered the knockout blow later in the frame, lining a two-out, two-run single to give Kansas City a 4-2 lead they would never relinquish.
Caglianone Shines on Milestone Night
Adding to the festivities, Jac Caglianone celebrated his own bobblehead night by launching a solo home run in the sixth inning. It was a complete team effort, with five different Royals recording an RBI by the end of the night.
On the other side of the diamond, Guardians starter Tanner Bibee (0-5) continued to struggle with run support. Bibee was tagged for four runs on five hits over four innings, marking the seventh consecutive Guardians loss in games he has started.
Up Next
The series continues Tuesday night at Kauffman Stadium:
- KC: LHP Noah Cameron (2-2, 5.40 ERA)
- CLE: RHP Gavin Williams (5-1, 2.70 ERA)
