Royals climb back into AL Central race, taking 3 of 4 from Guardians

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals faced perhaps their biggest challenge of the 2024 campaign this weekend.

A four-game series against the Cleveland Guardians.

The American League Central rivals entered as surprise contenders. The Guardians built themselves into one of the best teams in baseball, while the Royals have exceeded early expectations after losing a franchise-record 106 games last season.

Both teams knew the magnitude of their weekend clash. But it was the Royals, who have slumped in June, who took care of business at home: Their 6-2 win Sunday secured a pivotal series victory.

The Royals improved to 47-39 after winning three of the four games. Additionally, KC shaved three games off the Guardians’ divisional lead: Cleveland now leads Royals by seven games in the AL Central.

Royals starter Seth Lugo set the tone Sunday. He pitched six scoreless innings and struck out 10. The Guardians managed just four hits against Lugo and had just one baserunner reach second base while he was in the game.

Lugo leaned on his wealth of secondary pitches. He turned to his curveball, changeup and slurve to help balance his fastball. He neutralized the Guardians’ lineup by pounding the strike zone aggressively.

In his start, Lugo threw 66-of-93 pitches for strikes. The Royals made sure to support him with ample early runs.

Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. hit an RBI triple in the fifth inning. Later, first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, who finished 3 for 4, added an RBI single of his own.

From there, Royals captain Salvador Perez put the icing on the cake. He blasted a two-run homer over the left-field wall against Guardians reliever Pedro Avila.

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