Bobby Witt Jr. hits 100 RBIs as Royals defeat Pirates 5-1
- Bobby Witt Jr. drove in his 100th run of the season with a solo homer in the first inning.
- Michael Wacha pitched five innings, allowing only one run and improving his record to 9-1 since July.
- The Royals' victory secured their first winning season since 2015 and kept them in contention for the postseason.
On Saturday, Bobby Witt Jr. achieved a significant milestone by driving in his 100th run of the season with a solo home run in the first inning, contributing to the Kansas City Royals' 5-1 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates. Witt's performance included a sacrifice fly in the fifth inning and a run-scoring double in the sixth, bringing his season total to 31 home runs and 102 RBIs. This win marked the Royals' seventh victory in their last nine games, a notable turnaround after a seven-game losing streak. Michael Wacha, the Royals' starting pitcher, played a crucial role in the game, allowing only one run over five innings while striking out eight batters. His performance improved his record to 9-1 since July, showcasing his effectiveness on the mound. The Royals' offense was bolstered by aggressive base running, with five stolen bases, three by Maikol Garcia and two by Kyle Isbel, highlighting their offensive strategy. The Pirates struggled defensively, committing three errors that contributed to their defeat. Mitch Keller, the Pirates' pitcher, faced challenges, allowing four runs, three of which were earned, and suffered his fifth loss in six decisions. The Pirates managed to score only once, with an RBI single from Oneil Cruz in the fifth inning, reflecting their recent struggles as they fell to 14-24 since August 4. With this victory, the Royals not only secured their first winning season since 2015 but also positioned themselves three games behind first-place Cleveland in the AL Central, as they aim for a postseason appearance for the first time since their World Series win in 2015.