In a rain-delayed match on Tuesday night, the Kansas City Royals defeated the Cleveland Guardians 6-1, with Paul DeJong hitting a two-run homer. This victory put the Royals in a tied position with Cleveland atop the AL Central. Since the All-Star break, the Royals have shown great improvement with a league-best 23-13 record, narrowing the gap from trailing the Guardians by seven games to now sharing the division lead.
Cleveland, who had been leading the division since April 14, suffered their third consecutive loss in the series against the Royals. The Guardians have been struggling, losing nine of their last 12 games and posting a 17-21 record since the break.
DeJong’s home run in the second inning off Gavin Williams contributed to the Royals’ win, along with three runs in the seventh inning. James McArthur earned the win after striking out four in two innings, supported by a strong bullpen that closed the game with five perfect innings.
The game faced a 2-hour, 14-minute rain delay as stormy weather hit the Progressive Field. All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. got hit on the hand by a pitch but continued playing, showcasing his resilience by hitting a double later in the game.
Kansas City’s victory came with some concern as starting pitcher Mchael Lorenzen exited the game in the second inning due to a left hamstring strain. However, he showed toughness by remaining in the game despite the injury.
In terms of injuries, Royals outfielder Hunter Renfroe is receiving treatment for a strained right hamstring, aiming for a quick return to the field. On the Guardians’ side, pitcher Alex Cobb is progressing well from a broken fingernail injury, with the possibility of a return soon.
The series will conclude with a matchup between the Guardians’ Tanner Bibee and the Royals’ Michael Wacha in the next game. Bibee will look to maintain his strong 10-6 record, while Wacha aims to extend his impressive 7-0 streak since June 22.