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.

“Our bullpen stepped up tonight,” Royals outfielder Kyle Isbel said, “and it was a good game.”

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.

“We compete our butts off against anybody in this league, and the bullpen is going to be huge in being a part of that,” Long said. “To be able to throw up zeroes, as a group late in the game, that’s what we need to win big ball games.”

Wacha was appreciative of Long’s effort. The veteran starter earned a no decision after allowing one run and registering six strikeouts in 5 1/3 innings.

“I felt like that was the ball game right there,” Wacha said. “You know, we’re already down a run there and they got a guy on third there with one out. It’s some tough hitters (Long) has got face. He comes in there to get a couple of punchouts to keep them stranded.”

KC surged ahead later in the frame.

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.

“We have to go compete these four games and try to get the series because we need it,” Garcia said.

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

“I think we all know it’s going to be a dogfight,” Long said. “There is some expectations in this division now and we feel like we are right there with them.”

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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.

“(Gibson) said he went out of the baseline to avoid the tag,” Quatraro recalled of the conversation.

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. 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. They had a long conversation before Quatraro was tossed.

“I don’t have the best angle on it,” Quatraro said. “My point was that it was two outs, (Ramirez was) already behind the baseline and coming behind him. (Loftin) has to avoid the fielder. In my opinion, he started to move out of the way to avoid him.”

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.