The Kansas City Royals are the hottest team in Major League Baseball after earning their sixth straight victory, improving their record to 8-4. They defeated the Houston Astros 11-2 to move one game behind the American League Central leaders, Cleveland Guardians.
The Royals made the game against Houston out of reach when they scored seven runs in the bottom of the third inning. A Vinnie Pasquantino double brought Kyle Isbel and Bobby Witt Jr. home for the game’s first two runs.
Pasquantino after the #Royals' sixth straight win: "Playing behind these guys that are pitching, it's ridiculous. To go win another series that's what it's all about."
— Bally Sports Kansas City (@BallySportsKC) April 11, 2024
And after the splash on his 5-RBI night: "I've never been happier for an ice bath." pic.twitter.com/HqjwGjUlRw
A Nelson Velasquez single drove Pasquantino and Salvador Perez to home plate, making it 4-0. Adam Frazier’s single led to the Royals’ fifth run, while a Hunter Renfroe double made it 7-0.
The Astros trimmed the gap to five after scoring two runs in the top of the fourth inning, but that was all they could muster. Seth Lugo made it challenging for the Astros, giving up only two runs out of seven hits in six innings pitched. Conversely, Spencer Arrighetti is credited with the loss after pitching in the first three innings.
Meanwhile, Pasquantino was the game’s best player for Kansas City after connecting on three hits in as many at-bats with five RBIs and two runs. The Royals finished with the same number of hits, runs, and RBIs (11).
The Royals will try to sweep their three-game series against the Astros when they face again on April 11 at 1:10 p.m. Central Time. After this home stand, they will go to New York for a three-game series against the Mets.
-Lance Fernandez