The Kansas City Royals finished a series sweep with a 7-4 win over the Washington Nationals on Thursday.
Pinch hitter Adam Frazier’s one-out line drive to left field in the top of the ninth brought in two runs, breaking a 4-4 tie and helping the Royals secure their third win in a row after a seven-game losing streak.
“It doesn’t surprise me, to be honest,” said Royals manager Matt Quatraro. “I like to brag on these guys because they’re so professional. They are so matter of fact, turn the page from good or bad.
They don’t feel sorry for themselves when they’re getting beat, and they don’t get too high when you’re winning. Hopefully they have more to celebrate, but it doesn’t surprise me.”
Salvador Perez’s second single of the game scored Frazier, knocking Nationals closer Kyle Finnegan (3-8) out of the game.
“Get a ball to the outfield somehow,” Frazier said about his approach. “When I hit it, I thought it might be foul, and then I heard everybody cheer, so I figured it was good. That works for sure.”
Hunter Renfroe hit his 14th home run of the season to start the scoring, sending a 424-foot shot out of the park at 108.4 mph. The Royals (85-74) stayed tied with the Tigers for the second AL wild-card spot. Kansas City will finish the season with a three-game series in Atlanta, while the Tigers will face the Chicago White Sox for three games.
Kris Bubic (1-1) got the win after pitching a scoreless eighth inning. Royals closer Lucas Erceg recorded his third save in a row for the series and his 14th of the season.
“It’s my first time doing that,” Erceg said. “Felt good when I was out there. A little tired now, but it’s just cool to have that experience.”
Erceg and teammate Angel Zerpa each pitched scoreless innings in relief during all three wins, as the bullpen played a key role. Royals pitchers kept the Nationals from scoring in 26 of the 28 innings.
Starter Michael Wacha pitched five innings, allowing four runs (three earned) and five hits, striking out two and walking one on 83 pitches, with 58 being strikes.
