Bobby Witt Jr. Leads Royals to 7-1 Win Over Reds

— In a commanding performance, Bobby Witt Jr. led the Kansas City Royals to a 7-1 victory over the Cincinnati Reds in the first game of their interleague series on Friday night. Witt, the Royals’ All-Star shortstop, showcased his prowess at the plate, hitting a home run, a double, and an infield single, raising his league-leading batting average to .352. His fourth-inning homer, a 430-foot blast off Nick Martinez, marked his 25th of the season, while he also contributed a run in the sixth inning. Michael Lorenzen, who was traded to the Royals from Texas on July 29, secured his first win with the team, pitching 5 2/3 innings and allowing just one run on two hits. This outing marked a significant improvement for Lorenzen, who had previously recorded two no-decisions since joining Kansas City. Despite facing challenges, he managed to execute crucial pitches when needed, demonstrating resilience on the mound. Lorenzen expressed his excitement about playing alongside Witt, acknowledging the frequent highlights of the young star that dominate MLB Network. “It’s incredible,” he remarked, emphasizing the thrill of being on the same team as such a talented player. Meanwhile, Martinez reflected on his performance, admitting he could have done better against a strong Royals lineup. He is currently on the 15-day injured list due to a partially torn muscle in his shoulder, which has hindered his ability to contribute effectively.