Michael Massey, Maikel Garcia key a 7th-inning rally for the Royals in a 3-2 win over the Brewers
Kansas City Royals’ Maikel Garcia, right, is doused by MJ Melendez, left, and Bobby Witt Jr. (7) at the end of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, May 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Michael Massey homered and Maikel Garcia singled in two runs in a three-run seventh inning as the Kansas City Royals rallied past the Milwaukee Brewers 3-2 on Monday night.
Kansas City Royals’ Maikel Garcia reacts after hitting a two-run double during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, May 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
The start was moved up a half-hour to 6:10 p.m. CDT to beat predicted thunderstorms, which didn’t arrive before the last out.
After the Royals did next to nothing against Milwaukee starter Bryse Wilson, who allowed one hit and struck out six in six scoreless innings, they broke through in the seventh against the Brewers’ bullpen.
“These guys just don’t quit,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “I wish I could put my finger on it and say, ‘Let’s do that in the first.’ But for whatever reason, the game gets later and they come through.”
Kansas City Royals’ Michael Massey celebrates in the dugout after hitting a home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, May 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
Massey greeted Jared Koenig (2-1) with a 412-foot homer through a crosswind to right-center.
“It found the barrel and got the inside part of the ball and felt good,” Massey said. “Before the game. I didn’t think I was gonna be able to get one out to right. So it feels good.”
Kansas City Royals’ Michael Massey (19) reacts as he crosses home plate next to Milwaukee Brewers catcher Gary Sánchez, left, during the seventh inning of a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, May 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
Quatraro said the conditions made Massey’s drive more impressive.
Kansas City Royals’ Michael Massey (19) celebrates with MJ Melendez (1) after crossing home plate after hitting a solo home run during the seventh inning of a baseball game against the Milwaukee Brewers in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, May 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
“Usually a crosswind doesn’t help,” Quatraro said. “He cut through that. We know this park plays big.”
Koenig was lifted with one out after a walk and a hit batsman, and Garcia hit a bases-loaded single up the middle against Elvis Peguero.
“It’s another good start for (Wilson),” Brewers manager Pat Murphy said. “Gary (Sánchez) did a great job handling him.
“(Garcia’s single) was hit where we weren’t and scored a couple runs.”
Cole Ragans allowed two runs on two hits in six innings for the Royals, striking out eight and keeping Kansas City’s offense within striking distance.
“Relentless,” he said. “They keep going until somebody makes a mistake and then they make you pay. It’s fun to watch.”
Nick Anderson (2-1) pitched a scoreless seventh. Tyler Duffey and Will Smith got through the eighth — helped by catcher Salvador Perez, who threw out Jackson Chourio trying to steal third — and Chris Stratton worked the ninth for his second save.
Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia, right, throws to first base for an out after fielding a ground ball hit by Milwaukee Brewers’ Joey Ortiz as shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) watches during the third inning of a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, May 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
Sánchez hit a two-run homer in the fourth for the Brewers, taking advantage of a strong southerly wind. He got a 2-1 fastball up into the air and it landed 427 feet away in the seats in left-center.
Kansas City Royals pitcher Cole Ragans delivers to a Milwaukee Brewers batter during the first inning of a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, May 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
“I made a mistake and (Sánchez) made me pay for it,” Ragans said. “I got it down and in when I wanted it more middle up. You saw what he did with it.”
Wilson walked the first two Royals in the sixth. But he induced Vinnie Pasquantino to hit into a 4-6-3 double play and then struck out Perez to get out of the jam.
Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Bryse Wilson delivers to a Kansas City Royals batter during the first inning of a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, May 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
TRANSACTIONS
Brewers: Selected the contract of RHP Kevin Herget from Triple-A Nashville. RHP Janson Junk was optioned to Nashville … RHP Jakob Junis was transferred to the 60-day injured list. … RHP Freddy Peralta dropped his appeal and began his five-game suspension for hitting Tampa Bay’s Jose Siri with a pitch Tuesday.
TRAINER’S ROOM
Royals: RHP Alec Marsh felt good after a rehab start with Triple-A Omaha Sunday. He is on schedule to return to the starting rotation Friday at the Los Angeles Angels.
Milwaukee Brewers’ Gary Sánchez (99) celebrates with Willy Adames (27) after hitting a two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, May 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
UP NEXT
The three-game series continues Tuesday with Milwaukee RHP Colin Rea (3-0, 2.67 ERA) facing Kansas City RHP Seth Lugo (5-1, 1.60).
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Milwaukee Brewers shortstop Willy Adames (27) catches a bad throw as Kansas City Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr., right, steals second base during the first inning of a baseball game in Kansas City, Mo., Monday, May 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)
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