The Kansas City Royals (37-57) defeated the Tampa Bay Rays (52-42) 6-3 on Saturday night at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.
The Royals took a 3-0 lead in the third inning thanks to RBI doubles from Bobby Witt Jr and Whit Merrifield. Tampa Bay got a run in the sixth and a two-run triple from new addition Roman Quinn in the seventh to tie the game 3-3.
Kansas City then broke through with three runs in the eighth thanks to a solo shot from Michael A. Taylor and a two-run blast from Bobby Witt Jr. to make it 6-3, which would prove to be the final score.
Luis Patiño got his second start returning from the IL, allowing three earned runs on seven hits in four innings of work. He struck out three and walked three in the outing. He gave way to Ryan Yarbrough (0-5, 5.61) who allowed three earned runs in his four innings of work.
The two teams now meet in the rubber game of the three game series on Sunday afternoon. First pitch is scheduled for 2:10 PM - pregame coverage begins with Neil Solondz hosting This Week In Rays Baseball at 12:30 PM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES