The Kansas City Royals clinched a narrow 2-1 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Friday night, thanks to solid starting pitching, a timely hit, and a bullpen that just managed to hold the lead. This win brings the Royals to a 4-4 record, marking their first return to .500 since April 20, 2022.
The game began with promise for the Royals as they faced White Sox starter Erick Fedde. In the first inning, with two outs already on the board, Vinnie Pasquantino hit a single followed by Salvador Perez, who doubled to drive Pasquantino home, giving the Royals an early 1-0 lead. However, the White Sox quickly responded with Gavin Sheets hitting a solo homer in the second inning to even the score.
Royals starter Brady Singer then took control, retiring 15 consecutive batters until Yoan Moncada broke the streak with a single in the seventh inning. Singer was pulled after 7 1⁄3 innings, having thrown only 72 pitches, featuring four strikeouts, one walk, and 12 ground ball outs. This outing contributed to the team’s seventh quality start in eight games.
The Royals attempted to rally in the sixth inning. Perez started with a single, followed by a walk to MJ Melendez. Both advanced on Nelson Velázquez’s deep fly ball, which nearly cleared the fences. However, the inning fizzled out when Adam Frazier grounded weakly to Fedde, leading to Perez being thrown out at home and Hunter Renfroe striking out to end the inning.
In the eighth inning, the White Sox posed a threat as Nicky Lopez walked and attempted to steal second. Initially called safe, a review overturned the call thanks to a swift tag by Bobby Witt Jr. This proved crucial as Dominic Fletcher subsequently hit a single, but Chris Stratton managed to retire Andrew Benintendi to escape the inning unscathed.
In the ninth, the Royals regained the lead. Michael Kopech of the White Sox walked Perez, who was then replaced by pinch-runner Dairon Blanco. Blanco stole second and scored on Melendez’s line drive to left field.
The game’s final moments were tense as Royals closer Will Smith took the mound. After striking out Moncada, Smith allowed a double to Luis Robert, who was injured on the play and had to exit the game. Following a walk to pinch-hitter Kevin Pillar, manager Matt Quatraro made a pitching change, bringing in James McArthur who secured a game-ending double play with just two pitches.
With this performance, the Royals not only secured at least a split in the series but also demonstrated the potential need for adjustments in their bullpen strategy. They look forward to potentially taking the series in the upcoming game scheduled for tomorrow evening at 6:10, with Michael Wacha slated to pitch against Chris Flexen of the White Sox.
