Game Recap
The Kansas City Royals secured a 7-5 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Sunday, avoiding a series sweep. The win was fueled by a tiebreaking double from Jonathan India in the seventh inning, which led to a two-run surge for the Royals.
Key Players and Performances
Salvador Perez and Bobby Witt Jr. each hit a two-run homer for Kansas City, contributing significantly to the team’s success. Jac Caglianone also had a notable performance, going 4 for 4 in his sixth major league game. Michael Lorenzen (4-6) pitched six effective innings, earning his first win since April 29. The right-hander had previously gone 0-3 with a 6.89 ERA in his last six starts.
White Sox Efforts
Miguel Vargas homered and drove in three runs for Chicago, which had won three in a row, matching a season high. The White Sox also saw a strong performance from Mike Vasil, who allowed two runs and five hits over 3 1/3 innings in his first major league start.
Turning Points
Vargas drew a bases-loaded walk and Edgar Quero added an RBI single as the White Sox rallied for three runs in the ninth. However, Witt robbed Austin Slater of a run-scoring hit with a terrific diving catch at shortstop, turning the tide in favor of the Royals. With two out and the bases loaded, Carlos Estévez earned his 19th save when he struck out Tim Elko swinging.
Game Highlights
Perez’s fifth homer tied the game at 2 in the fourth, and the Royals went ahead to stay in the seventh. India drove in pinch-runner Drew Waters with a grounder down the third base line. After Witt popped out, Maikel Garcia made it 4-2 with an RBI single off Jordan Leasure. India tacked on a run-scoring single in the ninth, further solidifying the Royals’ lead.
Post-Game Analysis
Tyler Alexander (3-6) took the loss in his first game with Chicago, allowing one run and five hits in three innings. The lefty had signed a one-year deal with the White Sox before the game. The Royals finished with 16 hits but hit into five double plays, highlighting the challenges they faced in capitalizing on their opportunities.
Key Moment
Witt made it 7-2 when he connected for his eighth homer in the ninth against Bryse Wilson, a pivotal moment that sealed the victory for the Royals.
Key Stat
Caglianone went 2 for 21 in his first five games with Kansas City, making his 4-for-4 performance in this game a notable turnaround.
Up Next
Royals: Following an off day, LHP Noah Cameron (2-1, 0.85 ERA) starts Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series at home against the New York Yankees.
White Sox: RHP Shane Smith (2-3, 2.45 ERA) takes the mound Tuesday night at Houston. RHP Lance McCullers Jr. (1-1, 4.44) starts for the Astros.
Conclusion
The Royals’ victory over the White Sox marked a significant turnaround, avoiding a series sweep and showcasing the team’s resilience. With key performances from India, Perez, and Witt Jr., Kansas City demonstrated its ability to overcome challenges and secure crucial wins.
FAQs
- Q: Who hit the tiebreaking double for the Royals?
- A: Jonathan India hit the tiebreaking double in the seventh inning.
- Q: What was the final score of the game?
- A: The Royals beat the White Sox 7-5.
- Q: Who pitched the win for the Royals?
- A: Michael Lorenzen earned the win, pitching six effective innings.
- Q: What was notable about Jac Caglianone’s performance?
- A: Caglianone went 4 for 4 in his sixth major league game, a significant improvement from his initial performances.
- Q: What’s next for the Royals and White Sox?
- A: The Royals face the New York Yankees, and the White Sox play the Houston Astros in their upcoming series.