Royals Avoid Sweep with 2-1 Win over Cardinals

The Kansas City Royals defeated the St. Louis Cardinals 2-1, avoiding a series sweep and snapping a four-game losing streak. The game was decided in the seventh inning when Drew Waters pinch-hit a triple and Maikel Garcia followed with a single to score the go-ahead run off Cardinals reliever Chris Roycroft. Cardinals starter Matthew Liberatore pitched six innings, allowing one run and six hits, maintaining his streak of going at least six innings in seven of nine starts. Despite the Cardinals' 12 hits and a home run from Alec Burleson, they were unable to capitalize with runners in scoring position, leaving 13 runners on base. Royals starter Michael Wacha allowed one run in five innings with six strikeouts, continuing the Royals' trend of low scoring games with him on the mound. The Cardinals, who had won 12 of their previous 13 games, will begin a homestand against Detroit, while the Royals start a road trip against San Francisco.