MLB roundup: Royals pull even with Guardians in AL Central, Orioles edge Dodgers

Paul DeJong (31) launched a two-run home run, contributing to the Kansas City Royals' impressive victory over the Cleveland Guardians, with a final score of 6-1 on Tuesday.

This win marked the Royals' third consecutive triumph, allowing them to share the top position in the American League Central. The Royals' bullpen was particularly effective, as four relievers retired the last 15 Cleveland batters in succession. James McArthur (5-5) was credited with the victory.

Cleveland managed to score their only run in the fourth inning. Carlos Hernandez issued a two-out walk to David Fry, who advanced to second on a base hit by Daniel Schneemann and subsequently scored on a single by Lane Thomas.

Royals starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen exited the game in the second inning due to a left hamstring strain, which appeared to occur while he was covering first based on a ground ball. Prior to his departure, he had achieved a record of 2-0 with a 1.99 ERA in four starts since being acquired from the Texas Rangers.

In another matchup, the Orioles triumphed over the Dodgers with a score of 3-2. Ramon Urias hit a pivotal two-run home run in the fifth inning, leading Baltimore to victory in the opening game of a three-game series featuring two of the top teams in Major League Baseball.

Ryan O'Hearn also contributed with a home run for the Orioles, who have recorded a 19-18 record since the All-Star break and are now just one game behind the first-place New York Yankees in the American League East.

For the Dodgers, Shohei Ohtani recorded two hits and a run, while Miguel Rojas and Teoscar Hernandez each contributed an RBI. Right-hander Jack Flaherty (10-6), in his fifth start since joining Los Angeles at the trade deadline, allowed three runs on six hits over six innings, walking two and striking out five.

Mets 8, Diamondbacks 3
Sean Manaea equaled his season-best performance with 11 strikeouts while delivering 6 2/3 impressive innings, leading New York to victory over Arizona in Phoenix.

Pete Alonso contributed with a home run, Jeff McNeil recorded two RBIs, and Brandon Nimmo achieved three hits, as New York secured its seventh win in the last 11 games. The Mets currently trail the Atlanta Braves by three games for the National League's final wild-card position. Manaea (10-5) allowed two home runs in the seventh inning after surrendering only one hit in the first six innings. In total, he conceded three runs and four hits while not issuing any walks.

For the Diamondbacks, Lourdes Gurriel Jr. hit a solo home run, and Corbin Carroll added a two-run shot, marking just their seventh loss in the last 31 games.

The Diamondbacks are closely contending for the top wild-card position in the NL alongside the San Diego Padres. Brandon Pfaadt (8-7) was responsible for eight runs (six earned) and eight hits over 4 2/3 innings, striking out six and walking one.

Rays 3, Mariners 2
Jose Siri delivered a pivotal two-run homer with two outs in the seventh inning, propelling Tampa Bay to victory in Seattle.

Yandy Diaz contributed a solo home run in the eighth inning for the Rays, who have now won only two of their last six games. Rays reliever Edwin Uceta (2-0) earned the win, while Manuel Rodriguez secured his second save by closing out the ninth inning.

The Mariners faced their second loss in five games under new manager Dan Wilson and remain 3 1/2 games behind the first-place Houston Astros in the American League West. Mariners' reliever JT Chargois (2-1) was charged with the loss, despite Logan Gilbert achieving a season-high 10 strikeouts in six shutout innings, allowing four hits without issuing a walk.