SEVENTH-INNING SLUGGING LIFTS ROYALS PAST CARDINALS 8-3

A Maikel Garcia single, followed by a triple and two-run home run, propelled the Kansas City Royals to an 8-3 victory Saturday night over the St Louis Cardinals at Kauffman Stadium.

The Cardinals struck first with a two-run home run by Paul Goldschmidt in the second. Bobby Witt Junior grounded into a fielders choice in the third that scored Kyle Isbel. The Royals would tie the game in the sixth when Freddy Fermin delivered a two-out liner to left field that brought home Paul DeJong.

The Royals took the lead for good in the seventh when Garcia sent a line drive to right field that scored Isbel. Garcia was brought home by a triple from Witt, followed by Salvador Perez’s 21st home run of the year to cap off a four-run inning. The Cardinals claimed a run back in the eighth after a throwing error, only for the Royals to plate two in the home half of the inning.

Former Cardinal Michael Wacha picked up his ninth win of the year, going seven innings and only allowing Goldschmidt’s two runs on five hits and two walks, while fanning six. Lucas Erceg recorded his fourth save of the season. Andre Pallante had a no decision after 5.2 innings, allowing one earned run on three hits and four walks while striking out four. Ryan Fernandez took the loss on his fourth blown save of the year, failing to record an out in the seventh after allowing three runs on four hits.

The Royals (65-53) win the I-70 series this year three games to one. They remain in the third wild card spot in the American League, a game behind Minnesota and two-and-a-half games ahead of Boston. Cleveland is just three-and-a-half games ahead in the AL Central. Meanwhile, the Cardinals (60-58) are eight games behind Milwaukee in the NL Central and two behind Atlanta in the wild card chase.

Both teams have an unusual Sunday off day before hitting the road. The Cardinals travel to Cincinnati on Monday, while the Royals visit Minnesota.