KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — James Paxton pitched six solid innings, Masataka Yoshida tied his career high with four of Boston's 18 hits and the Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 9-5 on Monday night.

Boston, which has won four of its last five, now trails the Royals by 1 1/2 games for the final American League wild card spot.

“It was a humble approach,” Boston manager Alex Cora said. “We hit the ball all over the place. We ran the bases well. The kids did a great job in the bottom of the lineup.

"We just kept putting pressure on them. They have a good team; it took a lot. But give our guys credit, they showed up today and did their job. Now we have to win the series, either tomorrow or the next day.”

Paxton (9-3) allowed two runs on five hits to pick up his first win&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sox-trades-sims-garcia-28244b06789dd496ce5101d6149df8d3">since being traded to the Red Sox</a>&nbsp;by the Dodgers.

“I felt good out there,” Paxton said. “To have (Cora) have that confidence in me was awesome.”

Boston catcher Connor Wong said Paxton was exactly who the Red Sox thought they were getting in the trade.

“We knew from last year that he gets better as the game went on,” Wong said of Paxton, who had 19 starts with Boston in 2023. “He did that against us in L.A. That's just who he is.”

Brady Singer (8-7) allowed four runs on 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings. He allowed at least one hit in every inning.

“I thought he pitched well,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Singer. “He really battled. They made a lot of contact, a lot of singles early. (Singer) couldn't quite put them away. Where he was in the sixth, after giving up those two runs in the second, we had a really good chance to win that game.”

Singer wasn't happy with his performance.

“I felt like the sinker in was going to be a huge part of it,” he said. “But I left a few over the middle of the plate and gave up a few hits on it.”

David Hamilton pulled a double down the right field line for Boston's first run in the second. Jarren Duran added an RBI with a slow roller.

The Royals got on the board in the third. Kyle Isbel coaxed a one-out walk from Paxton and advanced to second on a groundout. Bobby Witt Jr. lined a single to right, scoring Isbel.

Michael Massey tripled off the top of the wall in right center in the fourth and scored when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/james-paxton-in-play-run-s-to-freddy-fermin?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share">Freddy Fermin tapped one off the end of the bat</a>&nbsp;that resulted in an RBI single.

Boston regained the lead in the sixth. Reliever Angel Zerpa gave up a line drive down the left field line to Duran, scoring two runs.

The Red Sox added four more runs off Zerpa, including two on Romy Gonzalez’s pinch-hit home run, before recording an out in the seventh.

“With a 2-0 count I thought he was going to challenge me,” Gonzalez said. “He made a pitch where I wanted it and I put a good swing on it.”

The Royals scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh off Cooper Criswell.

Red Sox: OF Tyler O'Neill, who missed Boston's last two games with an illness, was not in the lineup. Manager Alex Cora said O'Neill was “feeling better, but not great. Still available, but not starting.”

The Red Sox and Royals will play the second game of a three-game series Tuesday night. Boston will send RHP Brayan Bello (10-5, 5.13 ERA) to the mound to face RHP Seth Lugo (13-5, 2.57 ERA).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722937257358.jpeg" alt="Boston Red Sox starting pitcher James Paxton throws to a Kansas City Royals batter during the first inning of a baseball game, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)" />
 <figcaption>Boston Red Sox starting pitcher James Paxton throws to a Kansas City Royals batter during the first inning of a baseball game, Monday, Aug. 5, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — James Paxton pitched six solid innings, Masataka Yoshida tied his career high with four of Boston's 18 hits and the Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 9-5 on Monday night.Boston, which has won four of its last five, now trails the Royals by 1 1/2 games for the final American League wild card spot.“It was a humble approach,” Boston manager Alex Cora said. “We hit the ball all over the place. We ran the bases well. The kids did a great job in the bottom of the lineup."We just kept putting pressure on them. They have a good team; it took a lot. But give our guys credit, they showed up today and did their job. Now we have to win the series, either tomorrow or the next day.”Paxton (9-3) allowed two runs on five hits to pick up his first win&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sox-trades-sims-garcia-28244b06789dd496ce5101d6149df8d3">since being traded to the Red Sox</a>&nbsp;by the Dodgers.“I felt good out there,” Paxton said. “To have (Cora) have that confidence in me was awesome.”Boston catcher Connor Wong said Paxton was exactly who the Red Sox thought they were getting in the trade.“We knew from last year that he gets better as the game went on,” Wong said of Paxton, who had 19 starts with Boston in 2023. “He did that against us in L.A. That's just who he is.”Brady Singer (8-7) allowed four runs on 10 hits in 5 2/3 innings. He allowed at least one hit in every inning.“I thought he pitched well,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Singer. “He really battled. They made a lot of contact, a lot of singles early. (Singer) couldn't quite put them away. Where he was in the sixth, after giving up those two runs in the second, we had a really good chance to win that game.”Singer wasn't happy with his performance.“I felt like the sinker in was going to be a huge part of it,” he said. “But I left a few over the middle of the plate and gave up a few hits on it.”David Hamilton pulled a double down the right field line for Boston's first run in the second. Jarren Duran added an RBI with a slow roller.The Royals got on the board in the third. Kyle Isbel coaxed a one-out walk from Paxton and advanced to second on a groundout. Bobby Witt Jr. lined a single to right, scoring Isbel.Michael Massey tripled off the top of the wall in right center in the fourth and scored when&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/james-paxton-in-play-run-s-to-freddy-fermin?partnerId=web_video-playback-page_video-share">Freddy Fermin tapped one off the end of the bat</a>&nbsp;that resulted in an RBI single.Boston regained the lead in the sixth. Reliever Angel Zerpa gave up a line drive down the left field line to Duran, scoring two runs.The Red Sox added four more runs off Zerpa, including two on Romy Gonzalez’s pinch-hit home run, before recording an out in the seventh.“With a 2-0 count I thought he was going to challenge me,” Gonzalez said. “He made a pitch where I wanted it and I put a good swing on it.”The Royals scored two runs in the bottom of the seventh off Cooper Criswell.TRAINER'S ROOMRed Sox: OF Tyler O'Neill, who missed Boston's last two games with an illness, was not in the lineup. Manager Alex Cora said O'Neill was “feeling better, but not great. Still available, but not starting.”UP NEXTThe Red Sox and Royals will play the second game of a three-game series Tuesday night. Boston will send RHP Brayan Bello (10-5, 5.13 ERA) to the mound to face RHP Seth Lugo (13-5, 2.57 ERA).___

⚾ Boston's 18 hits lifts Red Sox over Royals

USD 475 has announced that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCHSUSD475?__cft__[0]=AZVyDZlf65Nh_uF4yj3G9rjze-TSo1ZsvLKtx3spFwt-KgwbIf4TrvOWg9FrUaL7iy8a_MYL6c2H8Qc_aOMLRb9drFLHRUiTNY8lHSx45B37ZWxJk97UgA5hLrKwiuGMGDMlMw5xS-l7KsEMGKg7xTUK8zmO-fUnA2ev8Y7-ua8vAqf3Fl2cslwiEdS_UkrpoSpHLpR6UVg__cx5yZM-36dF&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Junction City High School </a>&nbsp;will host an All Fall Sports Parent Meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 6 p.m. For more information, please contact Chris Bogenhagen, JCHS athletic director, at 785-717-4214

USD 475 has announced that&nbsp;<a href="https://www.facebook.com/JCHSUSD475?__cft__[0]=AZVyDZlf65Nh_uF4yj3G9rjze-TSo1ZsvLKtx3spFwt-KgwbIf4TrvOWg9FrUaL7iy8a_MYL6c2H8Qc_aOMLRb9drFLHRUiTNY8lHSx45B37ZWxJk97UgA5hLrKwiuGMGDMlMw5xS-l7KsEMGKg7xTUK8zmO-fUnA2ev8Y7-ua8vAqf3Fl2cslwiEdS_UkrpoSpHLpR6UVg__cx5yZM-36dF&amp;__tn__=-]K-R">Junction City High School </a>&nbsp;will host an All Fall Sports Parent Meeting on Tuesday, Aug. 6 at 6 p.m. For more information, please contact Chris Bogenhagen, JCHS athletic director, at 785-717-4214

All Fall Sports Parent meeting is scheduled

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=23456&amp;type=Archive">Watch Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/chris-klieman-press-conference-august-5-2024/4871">Listen to Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kstatesports.evenue.net/events/FBSG">Buy Tickets</a>

<a target="_blank" href="https://kstatesports.evenue.net/events/FBSG"></a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;met with members of the media for the first time during fall camp on Monday at the Vanier Family Football Complex. Links to video and audio of the press conference – which was streamed live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ – are above, while a transcript of Klieman’s opening statement is below.

“Well, good afternoon. We just finished practice (number) five. It’s been good so far. (Today was our) third day in our half pads. Tomorrow, we'll get to put on full pads. We’re still evaluating a ton of guys, and that's kind of what we're doing right now — all our install on offense and defense, looking at our younger guys, looking at new guys, especially the ones that just arrived here in the summer, as well as the kids that are redshirt freshmen that have kind of been on the program a little while. So, it's a work in progress.”

<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/watch/?Archive=23456&amp;type=Archive">Watch Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://www.kstatesports.com/podcasts/chris-klieman-press-conference-august-5-2024/4871">Listen to Coach Klieman’s Press Conference</a>&nbsp; |&nbsp;&nbsp;<a target="_blank" href="https://kstatesports.evenue.net/events/FBSG">Buy Tickets</a><a target="_blank" href="https://kstatesports.evenue.net/events/FBSG"></a>MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;– Kansas State head coach&nbsp;Chris Klieman&nbsp;met with members of the media for the first time during fall camp on Monday at the Vanier Family Football Complex. Links to video and audio of the press conference – which was streamed live on Big 12 Now on ESPN+ – are above, while a transcript of Klieman’s opening statement is below.CHRIS KLIEMAN, HEAD COACHOpening Statement…“Well, good afternoon. We just finished practice (number) five. It’s been good so far. (Today was our) third day in our half pads. Tomorrow, we'll get to put on full pads. We’re still evaluating a ton of guys, and that's kind of what we're doing right now — all our install on offense and defense, looking at our younger guys, looking at new guys, especially the ones that just arrived here in the summer, as well as the kids that are redshirt freshmen that have kind of been on the program a little while. So, it's a work in progress.”– k-statesports.com –

K-State Holds Initial Fall Camp Press Conference

DETROIT (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/i/status/1820189388908933148">MJ Melendez hit a pinch-hit three-run homer</a>&nbsp;in the ninth inning to rally the Kansas City Royals to a 3-2 win over the Detroit Tigers on Sunday.

Trailing 2-0 going into the top of the ninth, Hunter Renfroe and Freddy Fermin reached on singles with one out. Adam Frazier nearly hit a pinch-hit homer, but the ball curled foul and he flew out to center field.

Melendez then hit a 362-foot blast, his 13th of the season, to give Kansas City the lead.

“I like to be in those situation — it is do or die and that's a lot of fun,” Melendez said. “I'm going to be ready late in games, whether they need me to hit or play defense. I have to stay as locked in as possible, just like I'm in the game.”

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch used lefty Shelby Miller in the ninth, knowing the Royals would be sending up their left-handed hitters.

“I think Shelby had given up eight hits against lefties all year going into that inning,” Hinch said. “They got two, two-strike hits from Renfroe and Fermin, and then a bad splitter to a guy who can hit the ball out of the park.”

Chris Stratton (4-3) got the win with a scoreless eighth. The Royals' Hunter Harvey, who squandered a two-run lead in the ninth inning of a 6-5, 11-inning loss on Saturday, pitched the ninth for his first save.

“We acquired (Harvey) to pitch in high-leverage situations, and that was high leverage,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “There's a reason we gave up good players to get him, so we're not going to run away from one bad outing.”

The Royals have won six of their last seven games.

“We talked a lot about how they got one from us yesterday late, and then we turned around and did that today,” Quatraro said. “That's why you can't get too high or too low, because the same thing will happen to you.”

The Tigers went 2-7 on a nine-game homestand against Minnesota, Cleveland and Kansas City.

The Tigers have two healthy starting pitchers after trading Jack Flaherty, so manager Hinch has relied heavily on his bullpen. On Sunday, he got four scoreless innings from Alex Faedo and Brenan Hanifee before turning the ball over to Brant Hurter for his major league debut.

The Tigers took a 1-0 lead when Zach McKinstry tripled and scored on Gio Urshela's two-out single in the second inning. Matt Vierling made it 2-0 in the fifth, driving in Javier Baez with a sacrifice fly.

Hurter struck out Salvador Perez and Paul DeJong to get out of a jam in the sixth inning, and allowed two hits before leaving after the seventh. Will Vest pitched the eighth, but Miller couldn't finish it.

“Our pitching was awesome,” Hinch said. “Faedo had to battle and Hanifee came in and got the ball on the ground. They stacked the lineup expecting to see Hurter, and he got us once through the order. After that, we had avenues to get it done, so it is a gut-punch to lose.”

Miller (5-7) worked two-thirds of an inning and took the loss.

Royals: Open a three-game home series against the Red Sox on Monday. RHP Brady Singer (8-6, 2.88) is scheduled to start against Boston LHP James Paxton (8-3, 4.52).

Tigers: After an off day Monday, take on the Mariners for three games in Seattle. Detroit's RHP Keider Montero (1-5, 6.18) is scheduled to start Tuesday. Seattle has not named a starter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722821513239.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) —&nbsp;<a href="https://twitter.com/i/status/1820189388908933148">MJ Melendez hit a pinch-hit three-run homer</a>&nbsp;in the ninth inning to rally the Kansas City Royals to a 3-2 win over the Detroit Tigers on Sunday.Trailing 2-0 going into the top of the ninth, Hunter Renfroe and Freddy Fermin reached on singles with one out. Adam Frazier nearly hit a pinch-hit homer, but the ball curled foul and he flew out to center field.Melendez then hit a 362-foot blast, his 13th of the season, to give Kansas City the lead.“I like to be in those situation — it is do or die and that's a lot of fun,” Melendez said. “I'm going to be ready late in games, whether they need me to hit or play defense. I have to stay as locked in as possible, just like I'm in the game.”Tigers manager A.J. Hinch used lefty Shelby Miller in the ninth, knowing the Royals would be sending up their left-handed hitters.“I think Shelby had given up eight hits against lefties all year going into that inning,” Hinch said. “They got two, two-strike hits from Renfroe and Fermin, and then a bad splitter to a guy who can hit the ball out of the park.”Chris Stratton (4-3) got the win with a scoreless eighth. The Royals' Hunter Harvey, who squandered a two-run lead in the ninth inning of a 6-5, 11-inning loss on Saturday, pitched the ninth for his first save.“We acquired (Harvey) to pitch in high-leverage situations, and that was high leverage,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “There's a reason we gave up good players to get him, so we're not going to run away from one bad outing.”The Royals have won six of their last seven games.“We talked a lot about how they got one from us yesterday late, and then we turned around and did that today,” Quatraro said. “That's why you can't get too high or too low, because the same thing will happen to you.”The Tigers went 2-7 on a nine-game homestand against Minnesota, Cleveland and Kansas City.The Tigers have two healthy starting pitchers after trading Jack Flaherty, so manager Hinch has relied heavily on his bullpen. On Sunday, he got four scoreless innings from Alex Faedo and Brenan Hanifee before turning the ball over to Brant Hurter for his major league debut.The Tigers took a 1-0 lead when Zach McKinstry tripled and scored on Gio Urshela's two-out single in the second inning. Matt Vierling made it 2-0 in the fifth, driving in Javier Baez with a sacrifice fly.Hurter struck out Salvador Perez and Paul DeJong to get out of a jam in the sixth inning, and allowed two hits before leaving after the seventh. Will Vest pitched the eighth, but Miller couldn't finish it.“Our pitching was awesome,” Hinch said. “Faedo had to battle and Hanifee came in and got the ball on the ground. They stacked the lineup expecting to see Hurter, and he got us once through the order. After that, we had avenues to get it done, so it is a gut-punch to lose.”Miller (5-7) worked two-thirds of an inning and took the loss.UP NEXTRoyals: Open a three-game home series against the Red Sox on Monday. RHP Brady Singer (8-6, 2.88) is scheduled to start against Boston LHP James Paxton (8-3, 4.52).Tigers: After an off day Monday, take on the Mariners for three games in Seattle. Detroit's RHP Keider Montero (1-5, 6.18) is scheduled to start Tuesday. Seattle has not named a starter.___

⚾ Melendez pinch-hit homer in the 9th lifts Royals past Tigers

DETROIT (AP) — Wenceel Pérez singled with two out in the 11th inning and the Detroit Tigers rallied three times to beat the Kansas City Royals 6-5 on Saturday night.

The Tigers trailed in the ninth, 10th and 11th innings, and ended a five-game losing streak. Kansas City had won five straight.

Parker Meadows led off the 11th with an RBI triple and the Royals intentionally walked Javier Báez. Jake Rogers hit into a double play, but Pérez lined a ball off the wall in right center field off James McArthur (4-5).

The Royals led 3-1 going into the ninth, but Bligh Madris led off the ninth inning with a home run off Hunter Harvey. Zach McKinstry followed with a pinch-hit double.

McKinstry took third on Parker Meadows' groundout and scored on Báez's double. Báez stole third without a throw, but Pérez grounded out to end the inning.

The Royals took a 4-3 lead in the 10th on Bobby Witt Jr.'s sacrifice fly off Jason Foley (3-3), but Justyn-Henry Malloy tied the game with a two-out double.

Vinnie Pasquatino made it 1-0 in the sixth inning with a long homer off Kenta Maeda — his fourth homer in as many games — but Andy Ibáñez tied it with an RBI single in the bottom of the inning.

Paul DeJong put the Royals back in front 3-1 with a seventh-inning homer — the 18th homer off Maeda in 80 innings this season.

Tigers manager A.J. Hinch made an unusual defensive move early in the game. Pérez started the game in left field with Matt Vierling playing right, but they reversed positions for the second.

The first pitch was delayed 25 minutes by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/leyland-tigers-retired-number-522e49ae4cfd62961b61df59aeaec815">a ceremony to retire the No. 10 worn by</a>&nbsp;former Tigers manager and 2024 Hall of Fame inductee Jim Leyland.

The teams finish the four-game series on Sunday afternoon, with Royals RHP Michael Wacha (8-6, 3.58 ERA) pitching against the Tigers' bullpen.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722782048166.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals pitcher James McArthur throws against the Detroit Tigers in the 11th inning of a baseball game, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals pitcher James McArthur throws against the Detroit Tigers in the 11th inning of a baseball game, Saturday, Aug. 3, 2024, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Wenceel Pérez singled with two out in the 11th inning and the Detroit Tigers rallied three times to beat the Kansas City Royals 6-5 on Saturday night.The Tigers trailed in the ninth, 10th and 11th innings, and ended a five-game losing streak. Kansas City had won five straight.Parker Meadows led off the 11th with an RBI triple and the Royals intentionally walked Javier Báez. Jake Rogers hit into a double play, but Pérez lined a ball off the wall in right center field off James McArthur (4-5).The Royals led 3-1 going into the ninth, but Bligh Madris led off the ninth inning with a home run off Hunter Harvey. Zach McKinstry followed with a pinch-hit double.McKinstry took third on Parker Meadows' groundout and scored on Báez's double. Báez stole third without a throw, but Pérez grounded out to end the inning.The Royals took a 4-3 lead in the 10th on Bobby Witt Jr.'s sacrifice fly off Jason Foley (3-3), but Justyn-Henry Malloy tied the game with a two-out double.Vinnie Pasquatino made it 1-0 in the sixth inning with a long homer off Kenta Maeda — his fourth homer in as many games — but Andy Ibáñez tied it with an RBI single in the bottom of the inning.Paul DeJong put the Royals back in front 3-1 with a seventh-inning homer — the 18th homer off Maeda in 80 innings this season.Tigers manager A.J. Hinch made an unusual defensive move early in the game. Pérez started the game in left field with Matt Vierling playing right, but they reversed positions for the second.The first pitch was delayed 25 minutes by&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/leyland-tigers-retired-number-522e49ae4cfd62961b61df59aeaec815">a ceremony to retire the No. 10 worn by</a>&nbsp;former Tigers manager and 2024 Hall of Fame inductee Jim Leyland.UP NEXTThe teams finish the four-game series on Sunday afternoon, with Royals RHP Michael Wacha (8-6, 3.58 ERA) pitching against the Tigers' bullpen.___

⚾ Wenceel Pérez's single in the 11th lifts Tigers to win over Royals

DETROIT (AP) — Salvador Perez had three hits, including a home run, and the Kansas City Royals won their fifth straight by routing Tarik Skubal and the Detroit Tigers 9-2 on Friday night.

Cole Ragans (8-7) held the Tigers to two runs on two hits in 5 2/3 innings. He walked four and struck out six.

Skubal (12-4) allowed a season-worst five runs on seven hits in 6 1/3 innings. Skubal, who struck out eight, is 2-9 against the Royals with a 5.05 ERA in 14 games, 12 of them starts.

“They don't have a lot of swing and misses over there, and if you chase them, you can get into some bad counts,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “I thought Tarik did a job of pitching to the game situation, but they had a good approach and continued it against our bullpen.”

The Royals chased Skubal in a six-run seventh inning that included nine straight hits, two stolen bases and a wild pitch.

“You can't ever plan for that, for sure, but the approaches were so good, especially once we got going a little bit,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “That inning was remarkable.”

The Tigers, who have been outscored 34-7 during a five-game losing streak, took a 2-0 lead on Justyn-Henry Malloy's first-inning homer, but Perez led off the second with a homer off the bricks behind the stands in left-center field to make it 2-1.

“I thought he set the tone for us with the home run,” Quatraro said. “Skubal has no-hit stuff every night, and he goes up there and crushed that slider. That got us right back in the game after they got two."

Perez scored from first on Hunter Renfroe's double in the fourth, and Paul DeJong made it 3-2 with a sacrifice fly on his 31st birthday to score Renfroe.

The Royals blew the game open in the seventh. Dairon Blanco and Maikel Garcia singled with one out to end Skubal's night. Bobby Witt Jr. greeted Shelby Miller with an infield single to load the bases.

“You don't want to let anyone see a pitcher for a fourth time, and as the inning developed, we wanted to get a different look to the middle of the order,” Hinch said. “It's frustrating when that doesn't work, and it obviously didn't tonight.”

Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-run single, making it 5-2, followed by a double steal and a run-scoring wild pitch. Perez hit an RBI double for his third hit.

Renfroe and Freddy Fermin singled to make it seven straight hits and an 8-2 lead. Beau Brieske gave up singles to Garrett Hampson and DeJong before getting the last two outs.

Wenceel Pérez made a spectacular running catch in the eighth inning to rob Perez of a fourth hit and a possible triple that would have given him a cycle.

The teams play the third game of the series on Saturday with Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-6, 3.81) making his Kansas City debut. Lorenzen was a 2023 All-Star with the Tigers. Detroit, down to two healthy starters, will use its bullpen for another nine innings.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722662336303.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Salvador Perez had three hits, including a home run, and the Kansas City Royals won their fifth straight by routing Tarik Skubal and the Detroit Tigers 9-2 on Friday night.Cole Ragans (8-7) held the Tigers to two runs on two hits in 5 2/3 innings. He walked four and struck out six.Skubal (12-4) allowed a season-worst five runs on seven hits in 6 1/3 innings. Skubal, who struck out eight, is 2-9 against the Royals with a 5.05 ERA in 14 games, 12 of them starts.“They don't have a lot of swing and misses over there, and if you chase them, you can get into some bad counts,” Tigers manager A.J. Hinch said. “I thought Tarik did a job of pitching to the game situation, but they had a good approach and continued it against our bullpen.”The Royals chased Skubal in a six-run seventh inning that included nine straight hits, two stolen bases and a wild pitch.“You can't ever plan for that, for sure, but the approaches were so good, especially once we got going a little bit,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “That inning was remarkable.”The Tigers, who have been outscored 34-7 during a five-game losing streak, took a 2-0 lead on Justyn-Henry Malloy's first-inning homer, but Perez led off the second with a homer off the bricks behind the stands in left-center field to make it 2-1.“I thought he set the tone for us with the home run,” Quatraro said. “Skubal has no-hit stuff every night, and he goes up there and crushed that slider. That got us right back in the game after they got two."Perez scored from first on Hunter Renfroe's double in the fourth, and Paul DeJong made it 3-2 with a sacrifice fly on his 31st birthday to score Renfroe.The Royals blew the game open in the seventh. Dairon Blanco and Maikel Garcia singled with one out to end Skubal's night. Bobby Witt Jr. greeted Shelby Miller with an infield single to load the bases.“You don't want to let anyone see a pitcher for a fourth time, and as the inning developed, we wanted to get a different look to the middle of the order,” Hinch said. “It's frustrating when that doesn't work, and it obviously didn't tonight.”Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-run single, making it 5-2, followed by a double steal and a run-scoring wild pitch. Perez hit an RBI double for his third hit.Renfroe and Freddy Fermin singled to make it seven straight hits and an 8-2 lead. Beau Brieske gave up singles to Garrett Hampson and DeJong before getting the last two outs.Wenceel Pérez made a spectacular running catch in the eighth inning to rob Perez of a fourth hit and a possible triple that would have given him a cycle.UP NEXTThe teams play the third game of the series on Saturday with Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-6, 3.81) making his Kansas City debut. Lorenzen was a 2023 All-Star with the Tigers. Detroit, down to two healthy starters, will use its bullpen for another nine innings.

⚾ Salvador Perez homers and doubles and Royals rout Tigers 

DETROIT (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino homered twice, Seth Lugo gave up just four hits over eight strong innings and the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 7-1 on Thursday night.

Bobby Witt Jr. also homered for the Royals, who are 4-0 on their current road trip. Detroit has lost four in a row and been outscored 25-5 in those games.

Lugo (13-5) gave up one run, struck out three and walked one after going 1-3 in July. He is 7-0 with a 1.31 ERA in nine starts against the AL Central this season.

Keider Montero (1-5) allowed four runs on six hits in a career-high seven innings. The rookie, one of Detroit's only two healthy starting pitchers, allowed three runs before he got an out, but settled down.

Maikel Garcia started the game with a single and stole second and third without throws. Witt walked and Pasquantino lined his 13th homer into the right-field stands for a 3-0 lead.

Bligh Madris got the Tigers on the board with a fourth-inning sacrifice fly, but Freddy Fermin's RBI single gave Kansas City a 4-1 lead in the seventh.

Witt and Pasquantino hit back-to-back homers in the eighth off Brenan Hanifee. It was Pasquantino's first multi-homer game, coming in the same stadium where he hit his first major league homer on July 1, 2022.

The Tigers, who only had 23 players on the active roster after the trading deadline, activated SS Javier Baez from the bereavement list and selected Hanifee and LHP Sean Guenther from Triple-A Toledo. Detroit will have 11 relievers for the four-game Royals series.

The teams play the second of the four-game series on Friday night, with Tigers LHP Tarik Skubal (12-3, 2.35) facing LHP Cole Ragans (7-7, 3.37).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/8/1722561010515.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>DETROIT (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino homered twice, Seth Lugo gave up just four hits over eight strong innings and the Kansas City Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 7-1 on Thursday night.Bobby Witt Jr. also homered for the Royals, who are 4-0 on their current road trip. Detroit has lost four in a row and been outscored 25-5 in those games.Lugo (13-5) gave up one run, struck out three and walked one after going 1-3 in July. He is 7-0 with a 1.31 ERA in nine starts against the AL Central this season.Keider Montero (1-5) allowed four runs on six hits in a career-high seven innings. The rookie, one of Detroit's only two healthy starting pitchers, allowed three runs before he got an out, but settled down.Maikel Garcia started the game with a single and stole second and third without throws. Witt walked and Pasquantino lined his 13th homer into the right-field stands for a 3-0 lead.Bligh Madris got the Tigers on the board with a fourth-inning sacrifice fly, but Freddy Fermin's RBI single gave Kansas City a 4-1 lead in the seventh.Witt and Pasquantino hit back-to-back homers in the eighth off Brenan Hanifee. It was Pasquantino's first multi-homer game, coming in the same stadium where he hit his first major league homer on July 1, 2022.Witt added an RBI double in the ninth.TRAINER'S ROOMThe Tigers, who only had 23 players on the active roster after the trading deadline, activated SS Javier Baez from the bereavement list and selected Hanifee and LHP Sean Guenther from Triple-A Toledo. Detroit will have 11 relievers for the four-game Royals series.UP NEXTThe teams play the second of the four-game series on Friday night, with Tigers LHP Tarik Skubal (12-3, 2.35) facing LHP Cole Ragans (7-7, 3.37).

⚾ Pasquantino homers twice, Lugo goes 8 strong innings and Royals beat Tigers

CHICAGO (AP) — Freddy Fermin launched a two-run homer among his four hits and the Kansas City Royals pounded the White Sox 10-3 on Wednesday, extending Chicago’s franchise-record losing streak to 17 games.

Vinnie Pasquantino added a two-run shot and finished with three RBIs. Salvador Perez had three hits and drove in two runs in his 1,500th career game as the Royals won their third straight.

Perez joked that Fermin had his first four-hit game in the majors because the two natives of Venezuela chatted beforehand. Fermin appreciated the humor, then went to work.

“Just created my plan and tried to make a good swing and I did,” said Fermin, who is getting increased playing time and raised his batting average to .304. “I just want to continue to do that.”

Major league batting leader Bobby Witt Jr. lengthened his hitting streak to 13 games with two infield singles, boosting his average to .349. The star shortstop walked twice, scored three runs and stole his 24th base as the middle of the Royals lineup produced.

“That's why they are the heart of the order,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “That's what we need from them and they know that. When they're driving in runs and getting on base, we're a deep lineup.”

Andrew Benintendi drove in two runs with a double and finished with two hits for the major league-worst White Sox, whose slide is the longest since Arizona dropped 17 straight games in 2021.

“Show up in Minnesota,” Benintendi suggested as a way to end the skid. “I mean, if you dwell on it too long, I guess it will eat you up. So focus on the next one.”

Chicago (27-84) is 57 games below .500 for the first time and on pace for a worse finish than the 1962 New York Mets, whose 40-120 mark during their inaugural season is the poorest in baseball’s modern era (since 1900).

Brady Singer (8-6) allowed three runs on six hits over seven innings in his third straight win. The right-hander struck out four, walked none and was touched up only when Chicago scored three times in the second.

Singer settled down and retired 17 of his last 19 hitters.

“I was struggling a little bit at the beginning of the year,” he said. “I'm happy to get deep into ballgames toward the end of the year here.”

Kansas City is 60-49, a 26-win improvement over 2023 through 109 games, and holds an AL wild card.

White Sox rookie Drew Thorpe (3-3) yielded six runs and seven hits over five innings in a second consecutive rough outing following five quality starts.

The Royals jumped ahead 1-0 in the first on Pasquantino’s single. Fermin’s sixth homer in the second upped it to 3-0.

The White Sox tied it in the bottom half. Benintendi drove in two runs with his double and scored on Dominic Fletcher’s single.

Witt came home on Perez’s single in the third to put Kansas City back on top 4-3.

The Royals increased it to 6-3 in the fifth. Perez’s liner rolled out of Fletcher's glove in center for a double to drive in a run. Hunter Renfroe followed with a sacrifice fly.

Pasquantino's 12th homer iced it in a four-run eighth.

Kansas City RHP Michael Lorenzen, acquired from Texas in a trade Monday, will start Saturday at Detroit.

Lorenzen will fill the slot of righty Alec Marsh, who was optioned to Triple-A Omaha. Marsh was sent down to make room for reliever Lucas Erceg, who reported to the Royals and pitched a perfect eighth following a trade from Oakland.

White Sox 3B Yoán Moncada, out since April 9 with a left adductor strain, is “ramping up” activity at the team’s Arizona training facility, manager Pedro Grifol said.

Royals: RHP Seth Lugo (12-5, 2.66 ERA) faces Tigers RHP Keider Montero (1-4, 6.38) in Detroit on Thursday.

White Sox: RHP Davis Martin (0-0, 3.38 ERA) makes his first start since returning from Tommy John surgery against Twins RHP Joe Ryan (6-7, 3.69) on Friday in Minnesota.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722463224192.png" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — Freddy Fermin launched a two-run homer among his four hits and the Kansas City Royals pounded the White Sox 10-3 on Wednesday, extending Chicago’s franchise-record losing streak to 17 games.Vinnie Pasquantino added a two-run shot and finished with three RBIs. Salvador Perez had three hits and drove in two runs in his 1,500th career game as the Royals won their third straight.Perez joked that Fermin had his first four-hit game in the majors because the two natives of Venezuela chatted beforehand. Fermin appreciated the humor, then went to work.“Just created my plan and tried to make a good swing and I did,” said Fermin, who is getting increased playing time and raised his batting average to .304. “I just want to continue to do that.”Major league batting leader Bobby Witt Jr. lengthened his hitting streak to 13 games with two infield singles, boosting his average to .349. The star shortstop walked twice, scored three runs and stole his 24th base as the middle of the Royals lineup produced.“That's why they are the heart of the order,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “That's what we need from them and they know that. When they're driving in runs and getting on base, we're a deep lineup.”Andrew Benintendi drove in two runs with a double and finished with two hits for the major league-worst White Sox, whose slide is the longest since Arizona dropped 17 straight games in 2021.“Show up in Minnesota,” Benintendi suggested as a way to end the skid. “I mean, if you dwell on it too long, I guess it will eat you up. So focus on the next one.”Chicago (27-84) is 57 games below .500 for the first time and on pace for a worse finish than the 1962 New York Mets, whose 40-120 mark during their inaugural season is the poorest in baseball’s modern era (since 1900).Brady Singer (8-6) allowed three runs on six hits over seven innings in his third straight win. The right-hander struck out four, walked none and was touched up only when Chicago scored three times in the second.Singer settled down and retired 17 of his last 19 hitters.“I was struggling a little bit at the beginning of the year,” he said. “I'm happy to get deep into ballgames toward the end of the year here.”Kansas City is 60-49, a 26-win improvement over 2023 through 109 games, and holds an AL wild card.White Sox rookie Drew Thorpe (3-3) yielded six runs and seven hits over five innings in a second consecutive rough outing following five quality starts.The Royals jumped ahead 1-0 in the first on Pasquantino’s single. Fermin’s sixth homer in the second upped it to 3-0.The White Sox tied it in the bottom half. Benintendi drove in two runs with his double and scored on Dominic Fletcher’s single.Witt came home on Perez’s single in the third to put Kansas City back on top 4-3.The Royals increased it to 6-3 in the fifth. Perez’s liner rolled out of Fletcher's glove in center for a double to drive in a run. Hunter Renfroe followed with a sacrifice fly.Pasquantino's 12th homer iced it in a four-run eighth.RETOOLED ROTATIONKansas City RHP Michael Lorenzen, acquired from Texas in a trade Monday, will start Saturday at Detroit.Lorenzen will fill the slot of righty Alec Marsh, who was optioned to Triple-A Omaha. Marsh was sent down to make room for reliever Lucas Erceg, who reported to the Royals and pitched a perfect eighth following a trade from Oakland.TRAINER’S ROOMWhite Sox 3B Yoán Moncada, out since April 9 with a left adductor strain, is “ramping up” activity at the team’s Arizona training facility, manager Pedro Grifol said.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Seth Lugo (12-5, 2.66 ERA) faces Tigers RHP Keider Montero (1-4, 6.38) in Detroit on Thursday.White Sox: RHP Davis Martin (0-0, 3.38 ERA) makes his first start since returning from Tommy John surgery against Twins RHP Joe Ryan (6-7, 3.69) on Friday in Minnesota.

⚾ Fermin, Pasquantino homer as Royals hand White Sox 17th straight loss

CHICAGO (AP) — The staggering Chicago White Sox lost their 16th straight game, extending a franchise record, as Michael Massey homered and Michael Wacha pitched seven strong innings to lead the Kansas City Royals to a 4-3 victory Tuesday night.

Bobby Witt Jr. ran his hitting streak to 12 games and had the first RBI in an eighth-inning rally that gave the Royals the lead for good.

“We’ve had big at-bats all year,” Massey said. “We know we’re capable.”

Chicago’s Andrew Vaughn homered for the second consecutive night and rookie Jonathan Cannon pitched seven terrific innings, allowing only Massey’s solo shot while walking three and striking out two. He gave way to rookie Fraser Ellard (0-1), who walked two in his major league debut to set the stage for Kansas City's comeback.

Down 2-1, the Royals got a bloop single from Witt to tie it before Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-run single off Justin Anderson.

Vaughn had an RBI groundout in the bottom half, but Sam Long worked a clean ninth for his fourth career save and first this season.

Wacha (8-6) scattered five hits over seven innings, walking two and striking out five. He’s won five of his last six starts, and Kansas City has won 11 of 17.

“He was really good,” Pasquantino said. “It’s awesome to play behind him because you always feel like you’re in it.”

Chicago dropped to a major league-worst 27-83 and is threatening to break the record for most losses in a 162-game season, set by the expansion New York Mets when they finished with 120 in 1962.

“It’s not for the lack of effort. We’re busting our (tails) trying to get that win,” shortstop Nicky Lopez said. “It just always seems like there’s that one inning or one situation where we have to come through and we haven’t done that.”

It was a busy trade-deadline day for both teams. Kansas City acquired right-hander Lucas Erceg from Oakland for outfielder Jared Dickey and pitchers Mason Barnett and Will Klein. The move came after the Royals swapped minor league pitcher Jarold Rosado for White Sox infielder Paul DeJong.

Chicago designated hitter Eloy Jiménez went to Baltimore for left-hander Trey McGough and cash, and lefty Tanner Banks was traded to Philadelphia for minor league infielder William Bergolla.

A move many thought the White Sox might make never materialized. All-Star pitcher Garrett Crochet, the subject of much speculation in the weeks leading up to Tuesday’s deadline, is staying put. His demand for a new contract and a starting role from any potential new team reportedly affected the team’s ability to trade him. Chicago outfielder Luis Robert Jr. also remained with the club despite persistent trade talk.

Royals: RHP Jonathan Bowlan was recalled from Triple-A Omaha. INF Nick Lofton was optioned to Omaha and RHP John McMillon was designated for assignment.

White Sox: INF Lenyn Sosa was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte, LHP Fraser Ellard was promoted from Charlotte and former Los Angeles Dodgers INF Miguel Vargas was signed before the first pitch.

Kansas City’s Brady Singer (7-6, 2.82 ERA) faces fellow right-hander Drew Thorpe (3-2, 4.81) in the series finale Wednesday afternoon.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722418991857.jpeg" alt="The Kansas City Royals from left, Salvador Perez, Sam Long (73), Vinnie Pasquantino (9) and Bobby Witt Jr. celebrate the team's 4-3 win over the Chicago White Sox after a baseball game Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)" />
 <figcaption>The Kansas City Royals from left, Salvador Perez, Sam Long (73), Vinnie Pasquantino (9) and Bobby Witt Jr. celebrate the team's 4-3 win over the Chicago White Sox after a baseball game Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — The staggering Chicago White Sox lost their 16th straight game, extending a franchise record, as Michael Massey homered and Michael Wacha pitched seven strong innings to lead the Kansas City Royals to a 4-3 victory Tuesday night.Bobby Witt Jr. ran his hitting streak to 12 games and had the first RBI in an eighth-inning rally that gave the Royals the lead for good.“We’ve had big at-bats all year,” Massey said. “We know we’re capable.”Chicago’s Andrew Vaughn homered for the second consecutive night and rookie Jonathan Cannon pitched seven terrific innings, allowing only Massey’s solo shot while walking three and striking out two. He gave way to rookie Fraser Ellard (0-1), who walked two in his major league debut to set the stage for Kansas City's comeback.Down 2-1, the Royals got a bloop single from Witt to tie it before Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-run single off Justin Anderson.Vaughn had an RBI groundout in the bottom half, but Sam Long worked a clean ninth for his fourth career save and first this season.Wacha (8-6) scattered five hits over seven innings, walking two and striking out five. He’s won five of his last six starts, and Kansas City has won 11 of 17.“He was really good,” Pasquantino said. “It’s awesome to play behind him because you always feel like you’re in it.”Chicago dropped to a major league-worst 27-83 and is threatening to break the record for most losses in a 162-game season, set by the expansion New York Mets when they finished with 120 in 1962.“It’s not for the lack of effort. We’re busting our (tails) trying to get that win,” shortstop Nicky Lopez said. “It just always seems like there’s that one inning or one situation where we have to come through and we haven’t done that.”It was a busy trade-deadline day for both teams. Kansas City acquired right-hander Lucas Erceg from Oakland for outfielder Jared Dickey and pitchers Mason Barnett and Will Klein. The move came after the Royals swapped minor league pitcher Jarold Rosado for White Sox infielder Paul DeJong.Chicago designated hitter Eloy Jiménez went to Baltimore for left-hander Trey McGough and cash, and lefty Tanner Banks was traded to Philadelphia for minor league infielder William Bergolla.A move many thought the White Sox might make never materialized. All-Star pitcher Garrett Crochet, the subject of much speculation in the weeks leading up to Tuesday’s deadline, is staying put. His demand for a new contract and a starting role from any potential new team reportedly affected the team’s ability to trade him. Chicago outfielder Luis Robert Jr. also remained with the club despite persistent trade talk.ROSTER MOVESRoyals: RHP Jonathan Bowlan was recalled from Triple-A Omaha. INF Nick Lofton was optioned to Omaha and RHP John McMillon was designated for assignment.White Sox: INF Lenyn Sosa was recalled from Triple-A Charlotte, LHP Fraser Ellard was promoted from Charlotte and former Los Angeles Dodgers INF Miguel Vargas was signed before the first pitch.UP NEXTKansas City’s Brady Singer (7-6, 2.82 ERA) faces fellow right-hander Drew Thorpe (3-2, 4.81) in the series finale Wednesday afternoon.___

 ⚾ Witt, Royals rally in the 8th to hand White Sox their 16th straight loss

CHICAGO (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr.'s grand slam — and fourth hit of the game — capped Kansas City's six-run, eighth inning rally and the Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 8-5 on Monday night.

Witt lofted the first pitch he saw from John Brebbia, a low slider, into the left-center stands for 19th homer and third career grand slam. Witt also singled twice and doubled as the Royals handed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chicago-white-sox-1962-mets-4423a0be1c5412aacdf4030a736f1938">major league worst White Sox</a>&nbsp;a franchise-record 15th straight loss.

Witt extended his hitting streak to 11 games. The 24-year-old All-Star shortstop is batting .545 (24 for 44) during the surge.

“I'm just trying to be ready for every pitch because you never know what your going to get in the big leagues,” Witt said. “These pitchers are good so you just want to be prepared.”

With Kansas City trailing 5-2 entering the eight, Hunter Renfroe and MJ Melendez hit back-to-back solo drives off reliever Steven Wilson. Brebbia (0-6) hit Adam Frazier with a pitch and issued a walk to Michael Massey before&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/bobby-witt-jr-hits-a-grand-slam-19-to-left-center-field-maikel-garcia-sco">Witt connected</a>.

“Those guys put together good at-bats, so I had to do my part,” Witt said. “There was always kind of a momentum swing or whatever it is, but I think that we just believe in ourselves.”

The Royals improved to 58-49 and remained in position for the final AL Wild Card.

“There were so many things that went well tonight, but Bobby's definitely the headline," Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “Great, great poise to not try to do too much and he's just got so much talent, so much bat speed and power.”

Luis Robert Jr. had three hits and an RBI, and Andrew Vaughn added a solo shot for the White Sox. At 27-82, Chicago is 55 games below. 500 for the first time in franchise history and has a worse record than the 1962 New York Mets (29-80) through 109 games.

Andrew Benintendi drove in a run with a double, then Paul DeJong followed with an RBI single in Chicago's two-run sixth to put Chicago ahead. But the White Sox blew a save for an MLB-leading 27th time.

“I thought our two best guys (Wilson and Brebbia) were on the mound," Chicago manager Pedro Grifol said. “Those are the two guys we wanted at the end of the game.”

“He's a superstar,” Grifol said. “You see how he impacts the game in every single facet of the game.”

Chris Stratton (3-3), the second of four Kansas City relievers, got four outs for the win despite allowing a run on two hits. James McArthur pitched a perfect ninth for his 18th save.

Royals starter Alec Marsh allowed two runs on six hits in 4 2/3 innings. Chicago's Chris Flexen allowed two runs while scattering nine hits over six innings.

The White Sox took a 1-0 lead in the first on Gavin Sheets’ RBI single.

The Royals tied it in the third when Witt raced home from third on Salvador Perez’s tapper in front of the plate. Robert’s RBI single in the fifth tied it 2-all and chased Marsh.

Vaughn's 12th homer of the season, in the seventh, made it 5-2.

Kansas City acquired right-hander Michael Lorenzen from Texas for minor league left-hander reliever Walter Pennington on Monday. Lorenzen is 5-6 with a 3.81 ERA in 19 games (18 starts) for the Rangers, but Royals manager Matt Quatraro wasn’t sure about the versatile righty's arrival date or exact role.

The White Sox traded starting pitcher Erick Fedde and outfielder Tommy Pham to the Cardinals as part of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cardinals-dodgers-white-sox-trade-2e07e25562b90be4b398559639403b7c">three-team deal involving seven players</a>. Chicago also sent hard-throwing reliever Michael Kopech to the NL West-leading Dodgers.

The Dodgers sent infield prospects Miguel Vargas, Alexander Albertus and Jeral Perez to Chicago. Manager Pedro Grifol expects to insert Vargas into the lineup once he arrives.

The White Sox called up outfielder Dominic Fletcher, left-hander Sammy Peralta and right-hander Touki Toussaint on Monday to fill the holes on their roster after trading away Fedde, Pham and Kopech.

RHP Davis Martin, who made his first appearance in relief on Saturday following Tommy John surgery 11 months ago, will take Fedde’s place in the rotation, Grifol said.

Royals: RHP Hunter Harvey, who left Sunday’s 7-3 loss to the Cubs with back spasms, was “feeling way better” on Monday, Quatraro said and was playing catch. … RHP John Schreiber was diagnosed with right patellar tendon inflammation after tweaking his knee covering first base Sunday. He’ll have an injection and will be out for an unspecified time.

Royals RHP Michael Wacha (7-6, 3.65 ERA) faces White Sox rookie RHP Jonathan Cannon (1-5, 4.43) on Tuesday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722333036948.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. is doused as his team celebrates after their win over the Chicago White Sox in a baseball game Monday, July 29, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. is doused as his team celebrates after their win over the Chicago White Sox in a baseball game Monday, July 29, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr.'s grand slam — and fourth hit of the game — capped Kansas City's six-run, eighth inning rally and the Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 8-5 on Monday night.Witt lofted the first pitch he saw from John Brebbia, a low slider, into the left-center stands for 19th homer and third career grand slam. Witt also singled twice and doubled as the Royals handed the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/chicago-white-sox-1962-mets-4423a0be1c5412aacdf4030a736f1938">major league worst White Sox</a>&nbsp;a franchise-record 15th straight loss.Witt extended his hitting streak to 11 games. The 24-year-old All-Star shortstop is batting .545 (24 for 44) during the surge.“I'm just trying to be ready for every pitch because you never know what your going to get in the big leagues,” Witt said. “These pitchers are good so you just want to be prepared.”With Kansas City trailing 5-2 entering the eight, Hunter Renfroe and MJ Melendez hit back-to-back solo drives off reliever Steven Wilson. Brebbia (0-6) hit Adam Frazier with a pitch and issued a walk to Michael Massey before&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/video/bobby-witt-jr-hits-a-grand-slam-19-to-left-center-field-maikel-garcia-sco">Witt connected</a>.“Those guys put together good at-bats, so I had to do my part,” Witt said. “There was always kind of a momentum swing or whatever it is, but I think that we just believe in ourselves.”The Royals improved to 58-49 and remained in position for the final AL Wild Card.“There were so many things that went well tonight, but Bobby's definitely the headline," Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “Great, great poise to not try to do too much and he's just got so much talent, so much bat speed and power.”Luis Robert Jr. had three hits and an RBI, and Andrew Vaughn added a solo shot for the White Sox. At 27-82, Chicago is 55 games below. 500 for the first time in franchise history and has a worse record than the 1962 New York Mets (29-80) through 109 games.Andrew Benintendi drove in a run with a double, then Paul DeJong followed with an RBI single in Chicago's two-run sixth to put Chicago ahead. But the White Sox blew a save for an MLB-leading 27th time.“I thought our two best guys (Wilson and Brebbia) were on the mound," Chicago manager Pedro Grifol said. “Those are the two guys we wanted at the end of the game.”But they were beaten, finally by Witt.“He's a superstar,” Grifol said. “You see how he impacts the game in every single facet of the game.”Chris Stratton (3-3), the second of four Kansas City relievers, got four outs for the win despite allowing a run on two hits. James McArthur pitched a perfect ninth for his 18th save.Royals starter Alec Marsh allowed two runs on six hits in 4 2/3 innings. Chicago's Chris Flexen allowed two runs while scattering nine hits over six innings.The White Sox took a 1-0 lead in the first on Gavin Sheets’ RBI single.The Royals tied it in the third when Witt raced home from third on Salvador Perez’s tapper in front of the plate. Robert’s RBI single in the fifth tied it 2-all and chased Marsh.Vaughn's 12th homer of the season, in the seventh, made it 5-2.Kansas City acquired right-hander Michael Lorenzen from Texas for minor league left-hander reliever Walter Pennington on Monday. Lorenzen is 5-6 with a 3.81 ERA in 19 games (18 starts) for the Rangers, but Royals manager Matt Quatraro wasn’t sure about the versatile righty's arrival date or exact role.The White Sox traded starting pitcher Erick Fedde and outfielder Tommy Pham to the Cardinals as part of a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/cardinals-dodgers-white-sox-trade-2e07e25562b90be4b398559639403b7c">three-team deal involving seven players</a>. Chicago also sent hard-throwing reliever Michael Kopech to the NL West-leading Dodgers.The Dodgers sent infield prospects Miguel Vargas, Alexander Albertus and Jeral Perez to Chicago. Manager Pedro Grifol expects to insert Vargas into the lineup once he arrives.ROSTER MOVESThe White Sox called up outfielder Dominic Fletcher, left-hander Sammy Peralta and right-hander Touki Toussaint on Monday to fill the holes on their roster after trading away Fedde, Pham and Kopech.RHP Davis Martin, who made his first appearance in relief on Saturday following Tommy John surgery 11 months ago, will take Fedde’s place in the rotation, Grifol said.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: RHP Hunter Harvey, who left Sunday’s 7-3 loss to the Cubs with back spasms, was “feeling way better” on Monday, Quatraro said and was playing catch. … RHP John Schreiber was diagnosed with right patellar tendon inflammation after tweaking his knee covering first base Sunday. He’ll have an injection and will be out for an unspecified time.UP NEXTRoyals RHP Michael Wacha (7-6, 3.65 ERA) faces White Sox rookie RHP Jonathan Cannon (1-5, 4.43) on Tuesday night.

⚾ Bobby Witt Jr. hits grand slam as Royals top the White Sox 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Pete Crow-Armstrong, who came into the game hitting .183, was 3 for 4 with a run and the go-ahead RBI as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Kansas City Royals 7-3 on Sunday.

While he was happy to contribute to the victory, Crow-Armstrong and many of his teammates were down about losing teammate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rays-cubs-trade-morel-paredes-77da14baaf13f27f7c650667dc187d1b">Christopher Morel, who was traded during the game to</a>&nbsp;the Tampa Bay Rays for Isaac Paredes.

“He's a special human,” Crow-Armstrong said of Morel. “We're going to miss his energy for sure, his smile. Reaching his full Christopher Morel potential every day is a guy showing up every day in the clubhouse.”

Crow-Armstrong got two of his three hits and his RBI off Royals starter Cole Ragans.

“I saw him pretty good,” he said. “I tend to see lefties relatively okay. He's a really good pitcher. I'm glad he doesn't use his change-up against lefties, because that's a good pitch. The Cubbies just had a really good offensive day.

"We want to try to have days like this every day to help have a winning season.”

The Cubs (51-56) are 12-8 in their last 20 games after going 3-9 in their previous 12.

Javier Assad (5-3) allowed three runs on five hits in six innings.

“It was an impressive outing,” Chicago manager Craig Counsell said of Assad's day. "I don't think Javi started out really well, (but) I think (catcher) Christian (Bethancourt) did a really good job of (sticking) with him, and I thought Javi did a good job of maybe doing things different than he's done in the past.

“We saw some more off-speed stuff today, and he got his off-speed stuff going, which was really fun to watch.”

Assad said he was just trying to go as far into the game as possible.

“I just tried to go out there and execute,” he said through an interpreter. “I started a little shaky, but I just went out there and attacked the zone.”

Ragans (7-7) took the loss, allowing four runs in 5 2/3 innings.

“He gave us a good chance,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of his starter. “We were into the sixth inning and he gives us a chance. They put some good swings on him.”

Michael Massey led off the first with a walk before Bobby Witt Jr. extended his hitting streak to 10 games with an infield single. With two outs, Hunter Renfroe lined one to center, scoring both runners.

Nico Hoerner doubled in the third to tie it at 2-all.

The Royals (57-49) retook the lead in the fourth on a controversial home run. Freddy Fermin&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/gameday/746274/video/freddy-fermin-homers-5-on-a-fly-ball-to-left-field-ivpdq7">launched a long flyball down the left-field line</a>&nbsp;that appeared headed to the foul pole. A fan wearing a Cubs hat reached over the railing from foul territory and caught the ball before left fielder Ian Happ had a chance. Fan interference was called, giving Fermin his fifth homer of the season.

The Cubs took their first lead in the sixth. Michael Busch hit a one-out double and then scored on David Bote's two-out double. Bote scored on Crow-Armstrong's single, ending Ragans' day.

“We got good production from the bottom of our lineup today,” Counsell said. “Bethancourt and Pete did some really good things today.”

Chicago added three insurance runs in the ninth, including Patrick Wisdom's second homer in as many days.

Royals OF MJ Melendez returned from his rehab assignment and was reinstated from the 10-day injured list. He had been on the IL since July 15 with a sprained left ankle. In a corresponding move, the Royals optioned OF Drew Waters to Triple-A Omaha following Saturday night's game. ... Royals RHP John Schreiber left the game with right knee patella discomfort. ... RHP Hunter Harvey left with left lower back spasms.

Cubs: Chicago continues a six-game road trip with the first of three games in Cincinnati. The Cubs will RHP Jameson Taillon (7-5, 2.96 ERA) to the mound to face Reds RHP Carson Spiers (3-2, 3.83 ERA).

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Pete Crow-Armstrong, who came into the game hitting .183, was 3 for 4 with a run and the go-ahead RBI as the Chicago Cubs defeated the Kansas City Royals 7-3 on Sunday.While he was happy to contribute to the victory, Crow-Armstrong and many of his teammates were down about losing teammate&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rays-cubs-trade-morel-paredes-77da14baaf13f27f7c650667dc187d1b">Christopher Morel, who was traded during the game to</a>&nbsp;the Tampa Bay Rays for Isaac Paredes.“He's a special human,” Crow-Armstrong said of Morel. “We're going to miss his energy for sure, his smile. Reaching his full Christopher Morel potential every day is a guy showing up every day in the clubhouse.”Crow-Armstrong got two of his three hits and his RBI off Royals starter Cole Ragans.“I saw him pretty good,” he said. “I tend to see lefties relatively okay. He's a really good pitcher. I'm glad he doesn't use his change-up against lefties, because that's a good pitch. The Cubbies just had a really good offensive day."We want to try to have days like this every day to help have a winning season.”The Cubs (51-56) are 12-8 in their last 20 games after going 3-9 in their previous 12.Javier Assad (5-3) allowed three runs on five hits in six innings.“It was an impressive outing,” Chicago manager Craig Counsell said of Assad's day. "I don't think Javi started out really well, (but) I think (catcher) Christian (Bethancourt) did a really good job of (sticking) with him, and I thought Javi did a good job of maybe doing things different than he's done in the past.“We saw some more off-speed stuff today, and he got his off-speed stuff going, which was really fun to watch.”Assad said he was just trying to go as far into the game as possible.“I just tried to go out there and execute,” he said through an interpreter. “I started a little shaky, but I just went out there and attacked the zone.”Ragans (7-7) took the loss, allowing four runs in 5 2/3 innings.“He gave us a good chance,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of his starter. “We were into the sixth inning and he gives us a chance. They put some good swings on him.”Michael Massey led off the first with a walk before Bobby Witt Jr. extended his hitting streak to 10 games with an infield single. With two outs, Hunter Renfroe lined one to center, scoring both runners.Nico Hoerner doubled in the third to tie it at 2-all.The Royals (57-49) retook the lead in the fourth on a controversial home run. Freddy Fermin&nbsp;<a href="https://www.mlb.com/gameday/746274/video/freddy-fermin-homers-5-on-a-fly-ball-to-left-field-ivpdq7">launched a long flyball down the left-field line</a>&nbsp;that appeared headed to the foul pole. A fan wearing a Cubs hat reached over the railing from foul territory and caught the ball before left fielder Ian Happ had a chance. Fan interference was called, giving Fermin his fifth homer of the season.The Cubs took their first lead in the sixth. Michael Busch hit a one-out double and then scored on David Bote's two-out double. Bote scored on Crow-Armstrong's single, ending Ragans' day.“We got good production from the bottom of our lineup today,” Counsell said. “Bethancourt and Pete did some really good things today.”Chicago added three insurance runs in the ninth, including Patrick Wisdom's second homer in as many days.TRAINING ROOMRoyals OF MJ Melendez returned from his rehab assignment and was reinstated from the 10-day injured list. He had been on the IL since July 15 with a sprained left ankle. In a corresponding move, the Royals optioned OF Drew Waters to Triple-A Omaha following Saturday night's game. ... Royals RHP John Schreiber left the game with right knee patella discomfort. ... RHP Hunter Harvey left with left lower back spasms.UP NEXTCubs: Chicago continues a six-game road trip with the first of three games in Cincinnati. The Cubs will RHP Jameson Taillon (7-5, 2.96 ERA) to the mound to face Reds RHP Carson Spiers (3-2, 3.83 ERA).

⚾ Crow-Armstrong hits go-ahead RBI as the Cubs top the Royals Sunday

For a fourth consecutive season the Junction City Brigade have won the championship of the Mid Plains League. In 10 innings Junction City defeated the Topeka Warhawks, 12-7, Saturday night in the capitol city to claim the Cowdin Cup.

The win allowed the Brigade to win the Cowdin Cup championship series two games to none.

This was the fourth consecutive league title for Junction City and the eighth overall.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/7/1722139127255.jpeg" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>For a fourth consecutive season the Junction City Brigade have won the championship of the Mid Plains League. In 10 innings Junction City defeated the Topeka Warhawks, 12-7, Saturday night in the capitol city to claim the Cowdin Cup.The win allowed the Brigade to win the Cowdin Cup championship series two games to none.This was the fourth consecutive league title for Junction City and the eighth overall.

Brigade capture the Cowdin Cup

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Wisdom hit a grand slam as a pinch hitter in the seventh inning, Seiya Suzuki also homered and the Chicago Cubs beat the Kansas City Royals 9-4 on Saturday night.

Wisdom hit for Pete Crow-Armstrong and laced the homer 440-feet off Sam Long into the fountains in left for a 7-4 lead.

The runners were put on base by Seth Lugo (12-5), who went 6 1/3 innings. He allowed six earned runs on five hits while walking two and striking out two.

Julian Merryweather (1-0) pitched an inning for the victory. Cubs starter Shota Imanaga went 5 2/3 innings, allowing three earned runs on six hits and three strikeouts.

Suzuki hit his 15th homer, scoring Michael Busch to make it 2-0 in the first. Hunter Renfroe his 10th homer for Kansas City in the second.

Crow-Armstrong tripled and scored in the third inning to make it 3-1.

Kansas rallied in the sixth to take a 4-3 lead. Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in Maikel Garcia, but was thrown out rounding second base. Later, Salvador Perez singled, Freddy Fermin doubled and Renfroe followed with a two-run single.

David Bote and Nico Hoerner drove in runs in the ninth for Chicago.

The Cubs acquired RHP Nate Pearson from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for INF Josh Rivera and OF Yohendrick Pinango. RHP Jesus Tinoco was designated for assignment.

Chicago RHP Javier Assad (4-3, 3.15 ERA) was set to face LHP Cole Ragans (7-6, 3.23) on Sunday.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Patrick Wisdom hit a grand slam as a pinch hitter in the seventh inning, Seiya Suzuki also homered and the Chicago Cubs beat the Kansas City Royals 9-4 on Saturday night.Wisdom hit for Pete Crow-Armstrong and laced the homer 440-feet off Sam Long into the fountains in left for a 7-4 lead.The runners were put on base by Seth Lugo (12-5), who went 6 1/3 innings. He allowed six earned runs on five hits while walking two and striking out two.Julian Merryweather (1-0) pitched an inning for the victory. Cubs starter Shota Imanaga went 5 2/3 innings, allowing three earned runs on six hits and three strikeouts.Suzuki hit his 15th homer, scoring Michael Busch to make it 2-0 in the first. Hunter Renfroe his 10th homer for Kansas City in the second.Crow-Armstrong tripled and scored in the third inning to make it 3-1.Kansas rallied in the sixth to take a 4-3 lead. Bobby Witt Jr. doubled in Maikel Garcia, but was thrown out rounding second base. Later, Salvador Perez singled, Freddy Fermin doubled and Renfroe followed with a two-run single.David Bote and Nico Hoerner drove in runs in the ninth for Chicago.ROSTER MOVESThe Cubs acquired RHP Nate Pearson from the Toronto Blue Jays in exchange for INF Josh Rivera and OF Yohendrick Pinango. RHP Jesus Tinoco was designated for assignment.UP NEXTChicago RHP Javier Assad (4-3, 3.15 ERA) was set to face LHP Cole Ragans (7-6, 3.23) on Sunday.