Kansas City Royals rally for important home win vs. Guardians. There were big moments

In perhaps their biggest series yet, the Kansas City Royals got production from two of their weakest areas this season.

The Royals relied on their maligned bullpen and outfield to pull out a 2-1 comeback victory over the Cleveland Guardians at Kauffman Stadium.

In the sixth inning, the Royals were at a critical juncture. Starting pitcher Michael Wacha had left two runners on base before departing the game. The Royals were down 1-0 and facing trouble with Guardians catcher Bo Naylor at the plate.

The Royals turned to reliever Sam Long to extinguish the threat. He came in and struck out Naylor and outfielder Steven Kwan to keep the deficit within reach.

KC surged ahead later in the frame.

Royals outfielder Kyle Isbel hit a leadoff triple over Guardians outfielder Daniel Schneemann’s head. He later scored after second baseman Maikel Garcia hit an RBI triple of his own.

From there, Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino hit a go-ahead sacrifice fly to secure a win in the series opener.

The Guardians didn’t have much offense in the game. Royals starter Michael Wacha surrendered one run. Long was credited with the win.

KC improved to 45-38 and now trail the Guardians by eight games in the American League Central.

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Here are more notables from Thursday’s game:

Matt Quatraro tossed in fifth inning

Royals manager Matt Quatraro exited early on Thursday. In the fifth inning, Quatraro was ejected from the game by third base umpire Tripp Gibson.

Quatraro pleaded his case after Royals utilityman Nick Loftin was called out at third base to end the frame.

Loftin raced to third base after Royals outfielder Hunter Renfroe hit a sharp ground ball to Guardians star Jose Ramirez. The standout infielder fielded the baseball in front of Loftin as he raced towards the bag.

Loftin attempted to evade Ramirez on the play. He ran around Ramirez to subsequently avoid being the third and final out. Meanwhile, Ramirez attempted to tag Loftin as both met at the third-base bag.

Gibson called out Loftin for running outside the baseline. The Royals were turned away in the fifth and trailed by one run.

Quatraro didn’t like the call. He ran out for an explanation from Gibson. Both men had a long conversation before Quatraro was tossed.

Royals bench coach Paul Hoover took over the managerial duties.

Hunter Renfroe records outfield assist

The Royals produced some quality defensive plays against the Guardians. In the third inning, Renfroe threw out Ramirez attempting to stretch a single into a double.

Ramirez laced a 90.2 mph cutter down the right-field line. He raced around first base as Renfroe gathered to field the baseball. However, Ramirez wasn’t quick enough to move up the extra 90 feet as Renfroe fired a strike to Witt at second base.

Witt applied the tag; Ramirez was thrown out. It was Renfroe’s fifth outfield assist this season and his 69th since the 2017 campaign.

What’s next on the KC Royals’ schedule:

The Royals continue their crucial four-game home series against the Guardians. On Friday, KC will turn to right-handed pitcher Alec Marsh.

Marsh is 4-6 with a 4.07 ERA this season. In his last start, he allowed three earned runs against the Texas Rangers on June 23.

The Guardians will send ace pitcher Triston McKenzie to the mound. McKenzie owns a 3.19 ERA in 12 career appearances against the Royals.