In Minneapolis, the Kansas City Royals secured a 4-1 victory over the Minnesota Twins, preventing a series sweep. Bobby Witt Jr. showcased his power by hitting a home run on a pitch outside the strike zone for the fourth time this season. His 24th homer of the season put the Royals ahead 2-0 in the third inning on a shoulder-high full-count fastball from Louie Varland. This hit was the highest by a Kansas City player for a home run since pitch tracking began in 2008.

With a .349 average, Witt leads the major leagues in hitting. Paul DeJong also made significant contributions, finishing a triple short of hitting for the cycle. He doubled in the second inning, singled in the fourth, and homered in the sixth, reaching 20 homers for the first time since his All-Star season in 2019.

Pitcher Cole Ragans excelled, striking out eight batters and walking none in seven innings. He allowed one run on five hits, securing his third consecutive win as a major leaguer. Ragans displayed a diverse range of pitches, including changeups, knuckle-curves, sliders, cutters, and fastballs averaging 95.3 mph.

The Royals improved their record to 66-55, positioning themselves for the third AL wild card spot, while the Twins, with a 67-53 record, are on track for the second wild card spot. Vinnie Pasquantino added an RBI double in the seventh inning against Jhoan Duran’s 100.3 mph pitch.

In terms of injuries, Royals’ INF Michael Massey was sidelined due to back tightness, while Twins’ OF Byron Buxton is expected to be out of the lineup for a short period. Buxton left Monday’s game with right hip discomfort, but an MRI scan did not reveal any significant issues.

Looking ahead, the Royals will face the Cincinnati Reds with RHP Michael Lorenzen starting against Reds’ RHP Nick Martinez. The Twins will send RHP Bailey Ober to the mound against the Texas Rangers, who will have LHP Cody Bradford pitching.