The Kansas City Royals secured a 4-2 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Wednesday night, thanks to a strong pitching performance by Michael Wacha and timely hitting from their lineup.
Wacha delivered six solid innings on the mound, allowing just two runs on two hits while striking out eight batters. This performance earned him his first win since May 20 and showcased his consistency in recent outings, as he has now posted a 2.21 ERA over his last seven starts.
The Royals’ offense was led by Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino, who each contributed with key hits in the game. Witt’s RBI double in the third inning helped spark a two-run rally, while Pasquantino continued his hot streak with an RBI single. Pasquantino has been a force at home, leading the majors with 43 RBIs in home games.
Kansas City’s bullpen also played a crucial role in securing the win, with Shawn Armstrong and James McArthur stepping up in relief. Armstrong worked out of a jam in the seventh inning, while McArthur closed out the game with five straight outs for his 15th save of the season.
On the other side, the Rays got an early lead with Isaac Paredes’ solo home run in the first inning. However, they struggled to generate much offense against Wacha and the Royals’ pitching staff, managing just five hits in the game.
Despite the loss, the Rays have been playing well recently, winning 9 out of their last 13 games. They will look to bounce back in the rubber match of the series on Thursday, as they aim for their fifth straight series win.
Overall, it was a solid performance by the Royals as they continue to compete in the tough American League Central division. With key contributions from their pitching staff and lineup, they will look to build on this win and continue their success as the season progresses.
