Royals win a thriller at Fenway

RECAP ATTEMPT #3

Headline #1: Junis bounces back, Royals still lose 3-2

Headline #2: Gordon home run leads Royals to comeback victory

Headline #3: Royals win a thriller at Fenway

I think we’re good this time. After thirteen innings, seven pitchers used, and a few go-ahead RBI, the Royals pick up win #8 in what was probably the most exciting game of the year.

Earlier today, Jake Junis and Chris Sale faced off in an intriguing pitching matchup, with both pitchers getting to at least to the sixth inning. Junis put together a bounce back start, allowing seven hits and a pair of runs in six innings of work. After a slow start, the Royals gave him a lead in the fourth inning, setting Alcides Escobar up for a sac fly by loading the bases with one out.

The Royals added a second run off of Chris Sale in the top of the sixth inning, but lost it in the bottom of the frame due to a Mitch Moreland home run. Jackie Bradley would knot the game up at two later in the inning with a soft single.

Brad Keller inherited two Tim Hill runners in the seventh and was throwing gas until him and Salvador Perez couldn’t connect on a low fastball, giving the Red Sox their first lead of the contest.

The Royals would remain quiet the next several innings, looking like they would ride off with another loss, but an unexpected hero in Alex Gordon crushed a solo-homer with one-out in the ninth off super-closer Craig Kimbrel.

Kevin McCarthy allowed the Royals several opportunities to take the lead by throwing three terrific innings (nine up, nine down).

The Royals had stringed together a couple baserunners in the top of twelfth to relinquish the lead. Kelvin Herrera couldn’t get the job done though, allowing a big home run to Eduardo Nunez, bringing us back to square one with his first blown save of the year.

After Alex Gordon and Whit Merrifield singles in the top of the thirteenth, Jorge Soler used his strength to lift a ball over the monster, giving the Royals a more comfortable 7-4 lead.

Not comfortable enough for Burch Smith though. Once he got to his third batter, he was facing the tying-run in Rafael Devers. They battled it out in a long plate appearance, but Smith prevailed, easing the tension with a force out.

Ned Yost would call to basically his only remaining available reliever in Brian Flynn. After allowing two inherited runners to score, he garnered the first save of his career with a loud flyout to Abraham Almonte.

Right back at it tomorrow with a 12:05 CT first pitch. Danny Duffy will be making his seventh start of the year, facing Drew Pomeranz, who is making his third start of the year.