Royals rally in series finale with Tigers, snap six-game losing skid
DETROIT, Mich. (KMIZ)
The Royals have captured a much-needed win to salvage a troublesome road trip.
Kansas City (9-14) posted a 4-3 victory in come-from-behind fashion to avoid a four-game sweep against Detroit (13-9). Following Sunday's win, manager Matt Quatraro's team returns home after enduring eight losses across its 10 straight road games.
Unlike the majority of this four-game set, the Royals attacked Detroit's pitching staff early, charging the team with the American League's best ERA with two runs in the second inning. Vinnie Pasquantino and Drew Waters each recorded an RBI single in that frame to put Kansas City ahead 2-0.
Michael Wacha held the Tigers off the scoreboard for four frames but ran into trouble in the fifth inning. Kerry Carpenter and Zach McKinstry tied the game with a pair of two-out RBI singles before Wacha could escape the jam. The veteran right-hander allowed two earned runs on seven hits with five strikeouts over 5.1 innings but ultimately received a no decision for his effort on the mound.
McKinstry added to his 3-for-5 performance at the plate with a go-ahead RBI single in the seventh inning to give Detroit its first lead, putting the Royals in danger of a sweep.
However, the Royals rallied to erase that 3-2 deficit. Mark Canha delivered a game-tying RBI single into center field in the eighth frame to help force extra innings. Then, Bobby Witt Jr. scored the eventual game-winning run with a sacrifice fly in the 10th inning, marking his ninth RBI of the season.
Carlos Estévez, who was awarded the win, and John Schreiber contributed to the team's comeback with excellent efforts out of the bullpen. They combined to throw 3.2 shutout innings, giving up no hits and striking out three batters.
Canha, Waters and Maikel Garcia each posted multi-hit performances, leading Kansas City's nine-hit afternoon.
Up next - The Royals begin a three-game homestand against the struggling Colorado Rockies on Tuesday, April 22. First pitch from Kauffman Stadium is scheduled for 6:40 p.m.
