Royals Edge Cardinals 6-5, Securing Series Win

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — The Kansas City Royals triumphed over the St. Louis Cardinals 6-5 on Friday night, thanks to Jac Caglianone's standout performance that included a home run and two RBIs. This victory not only clinched the series for the Royals but also marked the end of a three-series losing streak for the team.

Seth Lugo, returning from the concussion list after a June 10 incident involving a line drive, pitched six solid innings, surrendering just two runs—one of which was earned—on five hits. Alex Lange secured his fifth save in the game. Michael McGreevy, who took the loss for the Cardinals, allowed five runs on eight hits over five innings of work.

Caglianone's home run was his 10th of the season. The Cardinals initially took the lead with a run in the first inning, courtesy of a sacrifice fly from Jordan Walker that brought in Ivan Herrera. Walker’s 58th RBI currently positions him at the top of the MLB leaderboard, pending the outcome of Nick Kurtz from the Athletics later that night against the Angels.

St. Louis extended their lead to 2-0 in the third when Herrera singled to drive in Nathan Church. However, the Royals turned the tide in the fourth inning, scoring four runs. Lane Thomas began the rally with a double, leading to Caglianone's single that brought him home. Michael Massey contributed with a single that drove in Caglianone, and following a walk to John Rave, Isaac Collins cleared the bases with a double.

In the fifth inning, Caglianone added to the Royals' lead with his home run, and Tyler Tolbert's sacrifice fly in the sixth increased the score further. Although the Cardinals managed to score three runs in the ninth off Matt Strahm, Lange was able to prevent the tying run from crossing the plate.

Looking ahead, the Royals will enjoy a rare off-day on Saturday due to a World Cup match nearby at Arrowhead Stadium. The teams will meet again on Sunday, with the Cardinals set to pitch Dusty May (5-6, 3.75 ERA) against the Royals’ Stephen Kolek (4-1, 2.68).