Royals Secure Series Win Over Reds with Late Rally

CINCINNATI (AP) — In a thrilling finish, Michael Massey delivered a crucial tiebreaking RBI single in the ninth inning, propelling the Kansas City Royals to a 5-2 victory over the Cincinnati Reds on Wednesday night. This win allowed the Royals to take the series, marking a successful outing after struggling in recent games.

Massey’s decisive hit came off reliever Tony Santillan (1-3), driving in pinch-runner Tyler Tolbert. Additionally, Nick Loftin contributed to the scoreboard by hitting his first home run of the season, solidifying the Royals' lead. Starting pitcher Stephen Kolek had a solid outing, conceding two runs and striking out eight over seven innings, while Daniel Lynch IV (2-0) and Alex Lange closed out the game without allowing a run.

This victory marked the Royals' second road series win of the season and their first since sweeping the Seattle Mariners earlier in May. With a record of 2-4 in decisive rubber games, the Royals are still looking to improve their performance in series finales, having lost seven of their last eight contests prior to this win.

Pasquantino, Massey, and Jac Caglianone each contributed two hits to the Royals’ offense. The Reds’ Chase Burns had a commendable performance on the mound, allowing two runs and striking out nine in six innings, raising his season total to 81 strikeouts over 70 1/3 innings.

As the Royals gear up for a four-game series against the Minnesota Twins starting Thursday, both teams have yet to announce their starting pitchers. Meanwhile, the Reds will send RHP Brady Singer (2-5, 6.18 ERA) to the mound for their upcoming three-game series against St. Louis.