Royals break scoreless streak with 8-6 victory over Mariners

The Kansas City Royals concluded a 19-inning scoreless streak on Sunday, defeating the Seattle Mariners 8-6 in a Major League Baseball contest that turned on a pivotal fifth-inning sequence. The victory marks the Royals’ first consecutive wins since May 9-10, ending a period of offensive stagnation that had characterised their recent performances.

The turning point arrived when Seattle pitcher Bryan Woo intentionally walked the bases loaded ahead of Salvador Perez. Perez, who had been struggling throughout the season, delivered a go-ahead, two-out single through the left side of the infield. The hit ignited the Royals' offence, which added runs in the sixth, seventh, and eighth innings to secure the victory. Carter Jensen and Maikel Garcia each recorded two RBIs, with Jensen following Perez’s single with a two-run double that removed Woo from the game.

Seth Lugo earned the win for Kansas City, improving his record to 2-4. The former Cy Young runner-up had not won a game since his March 29 season debut. Lugo allowed a first-inning home run to Julio Rodriguez but pitched into the seventh inning, conceding three runs and six hits. He had promptly retired leadoff batter J.P. Crawford on his first pitch of the game.

For Seattle, Woo (4-3) took the loss after allowing four runs and six hits in 4 2/3 innings. Prior to this start, Woo had allowed just two runs over his previous 18 innings. He had previously retired the next two batters after giving up a two-strike bunt single to Kyle Isbel, before choosing to walk Vinnie Pasquantino to load the bases. Lucas Erceg allowed three runs in the ninth inning in a non-save situation to finish the game.

The Mariners will face the Oakland Athletics on Monday night with right-handed pitcher Emerson Hancock (3-2, 3.07 ERA) starting. The Royals will host the New York Yankees for a Memorial Day matinee, with right-handed pitcher Michael Wacha (4-2, 2.70 ERA) taking the mound.