The Kansas City Royals (27-67) defeated the Tampa Bay Rays (60-36) 8-4 on Sunday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City. The win by Kansas City prevented the Rays from completing a three-game sweep in their first series back in action after the All-Star Break.
Zach Eflin (10-5, 3.59) struggled early, allowing five earned runs on seven hits in three innings of work without striking out or walking anyone. He left after three innings with the Rays trailing 5-0.
Kansas City built a 7-0 lead before the Rays got on the board. In the eighth inning, the Rays got a solo homer from Isaac Paredes and three-run homer from Francsico Mejia to pull within 7-4. However, the four-run frame would not be enough as Kansas City added one back in the bottom of the eighth to claim an 8-4 win.
The Rays now travel to Texas for a three-game series with the Rangers beginning on Monday night. Rays ace Shane McClanahan is expected to be activated from the IL and get the start for the Rays. Righthander Dane Dunning is scheduled to get the ball for Texas. First pitch from Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas is scheduled for 8:05 PM. Ronnie Lane begins pregame coverage with the Inside Pitch at 7:00 PM on 95.3 WDAE & AM 620 your Home of Rays Baseball.
PHOTO COURTESY GETTY IMAGES