Wacha's Strong Start Leads Royals Past Rays 2-1

Michael Wacha delivered seven strong innings, allowing one run, to lead the Kansas City Royals to a 2-1 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays on Monday night in St. Petersburg, Florida. Wacha (5-5) gave up six hits, walked one, and struck out five, holding the Rays to 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position. He leads the American League with 11 quality starts this season.

Kansas City took the lead in the second inning when Michael Massey drew a walk—only the second issued over a four-start stretch by Rays starter Drew Rasmussen (6-4). Massey scored from first on a double by Lane Thomas. The Royals extended their lead in the fifth when Nick Loftin singled, stole second, and came home on a single by Carter Jensen.

Tampa Bay scored its only run in the fifth on a two-out double by Yandy Díaz that drove in Richie Palacios from first. After Jensen's hit, Rays pitchers retired the final 14 Royals batters in order, but the offense could not solve Wacha. The right-hander recorded 10 ground-ball outs and did not allow a run after the fifth.

Royals closer Alex Lange pitched a perfect ninth inning to earn his sixth save. Jensen also threw out pinch runner Victor Mesa Jr. attempting to steal second to end the eighth. Chandler Simpson had two hits for Tampa Bay, which stranded five runners.

Kansas City managed just four hits off Rays pitching, including a first-inning fly ball by Maikel Garcia that hit the Tropicana Field catwalk and resulted in a double when shortstop Ben Williamson could not make the catch. The Royals earned their fourth win in five games.

Up next, the Rays will start left-hander Shane McClanahan (6-4, 3.33 ERA) against Royals right-hander Luinder Avila (2-3, 5.50) on Tuesday night.