Final Score: BOS 6 | KC 5

Overall Record: 63-52

Winning/Losing Pitcher:

• W: Brennan Bernardino (4-3, 2.84 ERA)
• L: Seth Lugo (13-6, 2.72 ERA)
• S: Kenley Jansen (21, 2.95 ERA)

Royals Player of the Game

Vinnie Pasquantino

3-for-4, 1 2B, 2 RBI

The “Pasquatch” continues his hot streak after this game. Vinnie extends his hitting streak to 10 games and has hits in 15 of 17 games since the All-Star break. He started the game driving in Bobby Witt Jr on a single then later doubled Bobby in for his 81 and 82 RBI on the year. With the Royals still in postseason contention a hot Vinnie will be needed as he quests for an 100 RBI season.

Key Highlights

Outside of Vinnie, the offense was split down the middle. To explain that, the top five hitters had all eight hits, five RBIs, and a home run. The bottom four only had one walk combined with no hits. The better hitters on the night, outside of Vinnie, were Bobby Witt Jr going 2-for-5 with a double and two runs scored. Michael Massey had a solo shot and MJ Melendez doubled in two runs in the eighth to give the Royals a shot.

The pitching wasn’t spectacular in this game however. Seth Lugo gave up some early runs due to a Michael Massey error and overall didn’t look sharp. After that error gave up two runs, Lugo gave up one run in the third then three in the sixth. His line was 5.1 IP, 6 hits, 4 runs, 4 strikeouts, and 3 walks. The bullpen, however, was nails. Sam Long came in to clean up the sixth and Kris Bubic and Will Smith had clean outings.

Summary of the Next Game

This series is the closest thing to a playoff series as this series affects the Wildcard standings. The Royals now only stand a 0.5 ahead of the Red Sox in the Wildcard heading into the last game of the series. The Royals will send out Cole Ragans (8-7, 3.36 ERA) and the Red Sox will send Kutter Crawford (7-8, 3.81 ERA) to see who takes control of the third wildcard spot.

Photo Credit: LM Otero, AP Photo