The Kansas City Royals secured a 7-4 victory over the Washington Nationals, reducing their magic number to two in a thrilling game on Thursday. An important moment in the game came in the top of the ninth inning when pinch hitter Adam Frazier delivered a crucial line drive base hit to left field, bringing in two runs and breaking the 4-4 tie. The win marked the Royals’ third consecutive victory after enduring a challenging seven-game losing streak.

Salvador Perez, who had a strong game with two singles, drove in Frazier with another hit in the ninth inning, putting them ahead and ultimately contributing to their victory. Hunter Renfroe’s 14th homer of the season set the tone for the Royals early in the game, showcasing an impressive shot that left the park at 108.4 mph.

Pitcher Kris Bubic secured the win with a scoreless eighth inning for the Royals, while closer Lucas Erceg notched his 14th save of the season with a shut-down ninth inning. Starting pitcher Michael Wacha put in a solid performance, pitching five innings and allowing four runs (three earned) on five hits.

In the Nationals’ last game with left-hander Patrick Corbin, the Royals took the lead thanks to a series of singles in the third inning. The Nationals fought back, with Luis Garcia Jr. hitting a three-run homer to tie the game at 4-4, showcasing his 17th homer of the season.

The Nationals ended a record scoring drought with an unearned run in the first inning, snapping a streak of 31 consecutive scoreless innings. As Corbin bids farewell to the team, the 35-year-old left to a standing ovation after pitching 5 1/3 innings, allowing four runs on six hits. Corbin will become a free agent this winter as his contract with the Nationals expires.

For the Royals, RHP Michael Lorenzen experienced left leg fatigue during his start and is expected to pitch out of the bullpen in the upcoming games. Left-hander Will Smith is set to throw a live bullpen session on Saturday as he continues his recovery from back spasms.

Up next, the Royals are set to face the Atlanta Braves with RHP Brady Singer on the mound, while the Nationals will square off against the Philadelphia Phillies with RHP Trevor Williams pitching. It promises to be an exciting matchup for baseball fans.

—

The original source of this article can be found on AP MLB:
https://apnews.com/MLB