Guardians rookie C.J. Kayfus hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning as the Cleveland Guardians rallied for a 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Thursday night at Progressive Field, taking three of four in the series against its AL Central rival as it tries to stay in contention for the final AL wild card spot.
Vinnie Pasquantino became the fourth left-handed batter in Royals history to record 30 home runs in a season with a two-run drive in the first inning. The last Royals lefty batter to reach the mark was Mike Moustakas with 38 in 2017. The others were John Mayberry (34 in 1975) and Hall of Famer George Brett (30 in 1985).
In 30 games since Aug. 10, Pasquatino leads the majors with 33 RBI and is tied with the Mets’ Juan Soto at 11 home runs.
Cleveland cut the lead in half in the fourth inning on a Jose Ramirez groundout, scoring Steven Kwan. Guardians' catcher Bo Naylor led off the eighth with a base hit to right field. Kayfus followed with a towering 425-foot drive to right-center on a low fastball on a 1-0 count from John Schreiber for his third homer of the season.
The Royals were 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position. They had runners at the corners with two outs in the sixth, but Guardians starter Gavin Williams struck out Jonathan India with a sweeper on a full count to end the frame.
Schreiber took the loss in relief, falling to 3-3 on the season, giving up two runs on two hits with one strikeout in 1 1/3 innings. The loss spoiled another good start from Stephen Kolek who gave up one run on three hits while striking out four and walking one in 6 2/3 frames. At the plate, Pasquantino was 1-for-3 with the home run, a walk, and two RBIs. Four other Royals had one hit each in the loss.
Kansas City opens a three-game series at Philadelphia on Friday staying on the road. Michael Lorenzen (5-10, 4.63 ERA) is on the mound for the Royals against Walker Buehler (7-7, 5.45 ERA) making his Phillies debut. First pitch is at 5:45pm with pregame coverage beginning at 5 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).