The Kansas City Royals (21-54) defeated the Tampa Bay Rays (52-26) 6-5 on Thursday night at Tropicana Field.
The Rays took a 2-0 lead in the first inning, but Kansas City answered with two in the third inning. Kansas City took a lead with a run in the seventh, but Tampa Bay answered with three in the bottom of the seventh - including a two-run single from Randy Arozarena - to build a 5-3 lead.
Drew Waters got to Jason Adam for a RBI single in the eighth to tie the game, before MJ Melendez got to Pete Fairbanks for a RBI single in the ninth to give Kansas City the winning run they would need.
Ace Shane McClanahan was pulled from the game with mid-back tightness in the top of the fourth inning.
The Rays and Royals meet in the second game of the four game series on Friday night. First pitch from Tropicana Field Friday is scheduled for 6:40 PM - Ronnie & T-Kras bring you Inside Pitch at 5:30 PM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES