By MATT PIKE
Michael Massey hit a tiebreaking RBI single in the ninth inning, Vinnie Pasquantino and Nick Loftin each hit home runs, and the Kansas City Royals beat the Cincinnati Reds 5-2 at Great American Ballpark to win the three-game series.
After Bobby Witt Jr. walked with one out in the first inning, Pasquantino's shot over the wall in right field made it 2-0. The Reds eventually got to Royals starter Stephen Kolek to tie the game at two all in the fifth inning, as Tyler Stephenson grounded into a 6-4-3 double play before Matt McLain singled and Blake Dunn followed with his own two run home run to tie the game.
The game remained tied until the ninth inning when Massey’s line drive to right field off Tony Santillan scored pinch-runner Tyler Tolbert and Loftin’s first home run this season capped the scoring. Alex Lange pitched a scoreless ninth for his first save, and his first save opportunity, since 2024 with Detroit.
Daniel Lynch IV earned the win, improving to 2-0, after relieving starter Stephen Kolek in the eighth inning and did not allow a run, with one hit and one strikeout. Kolek gave up two runs on six hits with eight strikeouts in seven innings. At the plate, Pasquantino was 2-for-4 with the home run and two RBIs with a walk as well. Massey was also 2-for-4 with an RBI. Loftin was 1-for-4 with the home run and two RBIs.
The Royals won their second road series and their first since a three-game sweep May 1st-3rd at Seattle. Kansas City is 2-4 in rubber games and 6-14 in series finales.
Next, Kansas City kicks off a four-game set tomorrow at Minnesota. Seth Lugo (2-4, 3.55 ERA, 60K's) is set to start for the Royals against Andrew Morris (1-2, 4.07 ERA, 22K's) for the Twins. First pitch is at 6:40pm, pregame at 6 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).
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