Ups and Downs in the Early Innings​
Hey Royals fans! What a thrilling game today against our I-70 rivals, the Cardinals!
The game started a bit slow for our Boys in Blue. The top of the 1st was a quick one with Adam Frazier, Bobby Witt Jr., and Vinnie Pasquantino all making outs. The Cardinals managed to get a leadoff single from Brendan Donovan, but our defense held strong, getting the next three outs effortlessly. Our 2nd inning wasn’t much better, with Salvador Perez striking out and Hunter Renfroe hitting into a double play after Michael Massey singled. Unfortunately, the Cards took the lead in their half of the inning with a solo homer by Lars Nootbaar.
Tie Game and Gaining Momentum​
The top of the 3rd gave us Royals fans something to cheer about!
MJ Melendez launched a solo homer (396 feet) to tie the game at 1-1. The Cardinals couldn’t answer back, and the game remained tied going into the 4th. Our luck turned in the top of the 4th when Witt Jr. singled, followed by a double from Pasquantino. Perez then hit a sacrifice fly, scoring Witt Jr. Later in the inning, Renfroe singled to score Pasquantino, making it 3-1 Royals.
Building the Lead​
In the 5th inning, Kyle Isbel singled and stole second, progressing to third on a single from Frazier. A sacrifice fly from Witt Jr. added another run, extending our lead to 5-2. The Cardinals fought back a bit, scoring two in their half of the inning, but we still held the advantage at 5-4.Power Surge and Solid Pitching​
The top of the 6th saw Perez crush a 438-foot homer to extend our lead to 6-4. Despite a few more hits, we couldn't do more damage. Angel Zerpa replaced Michael Wacha and pitched a flawless 6th inning.In the 7th, Pasquantino drove in another run, making it 7-4. The Cardinals managed to score one in the bottom of the 7th, but we still had a healthy lead.
Closing it Out​
Kris Bubic came in for the 8th inning and delivered a stellar performance, retiring the side in order.
The top of the 9th saw Isbel hit another homer (382 feet), giving us an insurance run and making it 8-5. James McArthur sealed the game in the bottom of the 9th. Despite a single from the Cards’ Masyn Winn, we managed to close it out without any hassle. Contreras flied out to center to end the game, giving us a sweet victory.
Final Score: Royals 8, Cardinals 5. Let’s keep this momentum rolling, Royals!
Scoreboard for Royals @ Cardinals (July 10th, 2024)​
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | R | H | E | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 0​ | 1​ | 0​ | 1​ | 2​ | 0​ | 1​ | 0​ | 0​ | 5​ | 10​ | 0​ |
| 0​ | 0​ | 1​ | 2​ | 2​ | 1​ | 1​ | 0​ | 1​ | 8​ | 12​ | 1​ |