(AP) — Michael A. Taylor hit a game-ending RBI single, and the Kansas City Royals beat the slumping Cleveland Guardians 4-3. Vinnie Pasquantino opened the Kansas City ninth with a double to right against Sam Hentges (2-1) that nearly cleared the fence.
Edward Olivares then entered the game as a pinch-runner. After Kyle Isbel struck out on a foul bunt, Taylor poked a 1-2 pitch into right for the winning hit.
Cleveland led 3-1 after seven innings, but Whit Merrifield hit a tying two-run homer in the eighth against Eli Morgan. It was just his second homer in 42 games. The Guardians have lost five straight and seven of eight overall.
The Royals take on Cleveland again Saturday afternoon with first pitch at 3:10 central. Coverage begins at 2:30 on KFEQ Radio (680, 95.3) in St. Joseph.