MLB roundup: Bobby Witt Jr. shines as Kansas City Royals defeats Arizona Diamondbacks

Witt hit a triple in the first inning, followed by a double in the third, and capped it off with a three-run homer in the fourth.

Despite aiming for Kansas City's first cycle since George Brett in 1990, Witt was hit by a pitch and flied out in his final plate appearances. His streak of four consecutive games with at least three hits equals Johnny Damon's (2000) second-longest such streak for the Royals. Brett holds the record with six straight games of three or more hits in 1976.

Since participating in the All-Star Game, Witt has accumulated five extra-base hits in four games. He currently leads the majors in home-game batting average at .411.

Arizona's Yilber Diaz (1-1) struggled on the mound, pitching three-plus innings and giving up seven runs on nine hits and a walk. He failed to strike out a batter.

The Tigers defeated the Guardians with a score of 8-2. Tarik Skubal pitched for seven innings, allowing only one run despite giving up a career-high 10 hits. Justyn-Henry Malloy hit a two-run homer early in the game.

Matt Vierling, Mark Canha, and Colt Keith also contributed to the Tigers' victory with multiple hits and a homer in the ninth inning. The Tigers have now won 11 of their last 14 games.

Tyler Freeman had three hits for the Guardians, who have struggled to score runs during their three-game losing streak at home. Carlos Carrasco took the loss for the Guardians, giving up six runs and nine hits over 5 1/3 innings.

The New York Yankees defeated the Tampa Bay Rays with a score of 9-1. Carlos Rodon pitched seven strong innings and the Yankees hit five home runs, tying their season high.

Austin Wells, Anthony Volpe, DJ LeMahieu, and Juan Soto all contributed to the home run total, with Oswaldo Cabrera adding a two-run single.

Rodon allowed only two hits and two walks while striking out 10 batters. Jose Siri's home run was the only run allowed by the Yankees.

The Pittsburgh Pirates defeated the St. Louis Cardinals with a score of 2-1. Nick Gonzales' go-ahead single in the eighth inning, along with Mitch Keller's strong pitching performance, secured the victory for the Pirates.

Gonzales' hit drove in Bryan Reynolds, who had advanced to second on a wild pitch. Aroldis Chapman and David Bednar also played key roles in the win.

Nolan Gorman homered, and Paul Goldschmidt had a good game for the Cardinals, but it wasn't enough to extend their winning streak.