The Kansas City Royals emerged victorious against the Cincinnati Reds with a 5-2 win on Wednesday night, thanks to a crucial RBI single by Michael Massey in the ninth inning. This victory allowed the Royals to clinch the three-game series against the Reds.

Massey’s line drive to right field off Reds pitcher Tony Santillan brought home pinch-runner Tyler Tolbert, breaking the tie. Nick Loftin added to the Royals’ lead with his first home run of the season, sealing the win.

Daniel Lynch IV took over from starter Stephen Kolek in the eighth inning, maintaining the lead without allowing any runs. Alex Lange closed the game with a scoreless ninth inning, marking his first save opportunity since 2024 when he played for Detroit. Kolek delivered a solid performance, striking out eight batters over seven innings while allowing two runs.

This series win marks the Royals’ second road series victory of the season and their first since sweeping Seattle in early May. The team has struggled in recent games, having lost seven of their previous eight matchups before this series.

Game Highlights

Vinnie Pasquantino and Jac Caglianone each contributed two hits to the Royals’ offensive efforts. Pasquantino’s two-run homer in the first inning, following a walk by Bobby Witt Jr., gave the Royals an early lead.

For the Reds, starter Chase Burns pitched six innings, allowing two runs on four hits and striking out nine. Blake Dunn tied the game in the fifth inning with a two-run homer, his second hit of the night.

Upcoming Matches

The Royals will begin a four-game series against the Minnesota Twins on Thursday, with both teams yet to announce their starting pitchers. Meanwhile, the Reds are set to face the St. Louis Cardinals on Friday, with Brady Singer scheduled to start against Kyle Leahy.

Original reporting: WLWT Cincinnati — read the source article.