KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. delivered the go-ahead double in the fifth inning for Kansas City after a costly error by Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and the Royals' bullpen shut down Toronto the rest of the way in a 3-2 victory Tuesday night.

Chris Stratton (2-1) minimized the damage when he inherited a bases-loaded jam from Michael Wacha in the fifth. He also took care of the sixth before John Schreiber handled the seventh and James McArthur breezed through the eighth.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro opted to send McArthur out for the ninth, and the Blue Jays' Cavan Biggio appeared to begin the inning by beating out a single, only for the call to be overturned upon review. George Springer followed with a single and went to second on Guerrero's groundout, but McArthur got Bo Bichette to ground out to finish off his fifth save of the season.

“You don't get too many opportunities with the extra outs there, but we were able to make them pay,” Wacha said. “Bobby came through for us, like he so often does, and the bullpen shut the door for us.”

Kevin Gausman (0-3) allowed three runs — none of them earned — on seven hits and a walk over 6 2/3 innings for Toronto.

“I mean, Guasman led the league in strikeouts last year and he had one or two in six-plus,” Quatraro said, “so just getting the ball in play. Not every contact is going to be solid. But you know, make something happen”

Wacha allowed two runs on eight hits and three walks for Kansas City, but he needed 96 pitches to get through 4 1/3 innings. But while he was plenty erratic — Wacha plunked Davis Schneider to load the bases in the fifth — he also was victimized by some bad luck, including a series of weakly hit singles that the Blue Jays turned into a 1-0 lead in the third.

After Wacha left with the bases loaded in the fifth, Alejandro Kirk's sacrifice fly gave the Blue Jays a 2-0 lead.

The Royals' comeback in the bottom of the fifth began with a blunder: Adam Frazier was caught in a rundown between third base and home for the second out of the inning. But he stayed alive long enough for Michael Massey to reach second base, and moments later, Guerrero allowed the throw for what should have been the final out of the inning to go right past him.

“What can I say? I just missed the ball, period,” Guerrero said through an interpreter.

Massey came around to score, Maikel Garcia followed with a base hit and Witt's double to left gave Kansas City a 3-2 lead.

“Just tried to control the moment. Control what I could control,” Witt said.

The Royals nearly added to that advantage in the seventh, when Garcia drew a two-out walk and Witt singled for his third hit of the night. Vinnie Pasquantino then hammered a pitch from Nate Pearson, but it skirted outside the foul pole in right field, and the Toronto reliever proceeded to strike him out to end the threat.

Turned out that the Royals didn't need any more runs the way their bullpen performed.

“I mean, it was a one-run game, so there was no margin for error,” Quatraro said. “They put up 4 2/3 scoreless against a really good team, so I can't overstate them enough. Without that, we're either still out there or we're behind."

Blue Jays RHP Yariel Rodriguez (0-0, 2.35 ERA) takes the mound Wednesday night against Royals RHP Alec Marsh (3-0, 3.22)

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713926914717.jpeg" alt="Toronto Blue Jays' George Springer (4) beats the tag by Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia to advance to third on a single by Bo Bichette during the third inning of a baseball game Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Toronto Blue Jays' George Springer (4) beats the tag by Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia to advance to third on a single by Bo Bichette during the third inning of a baseball game Tuesday, April 23, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. delivered the go-ahead double in the fifth inning for Kansas City after a costly error by Blue Jays first baseman Vladimir Guerrero Jr., and the Royals' bullpen shut down Toronto the rest of the way in a 3-2 victory Tuesday night.Chris Stratton (2-1) minimized the damage when he inherited a bases-loaded jam from Michael Wacha in the fifth. He also took care of the sixth before John Schreiber handled the seventh and James McArthur breezed through the eighth.Royals manager Matt Quatraro opted to send McArthur out for the ninth, and the Blue Jays' Cavan Biggio appeared to begin the inning by beating out a single, only for the call to be overturned upon review. George Springer followed with a single and went to second on Guerrero's groundout, but McArthur got Bo Bichette to ground out to finish off his fifth save of the season.“You don't get too many opportunities with the extra outs there, but we were able to make them pay,” Wacha said. “Bobby came through for us, like he so often does, and the bullpen shut the door for us.”Kevin Gausman (0-3) allowed three runs — none of them earned — on seven hits and a walk over 6 2/3 innings for Toronto.“I mean, Guasman led the league in strikeouts last year and he had one or two in six-plus,” Quatraro said, “so just getting the ball in play. Not every contact is going to be solid. But you know, make something happen”Wacha allowed two runs on eight hits and three walks for Kansas City, but he needed 96 pitches to get through 4 1/3 innings. But while he was plenty erratic — Wacha plunked Davis Schneider to load the bases in the fifth — he also was victimized by some bad luck, including a series of weakly hit singles that the Blue Jays turned into a 1-0 lead in the third.After Wacha left with the bases loaded in the fifth, Alejandro Kirk's sacrifice fly gave the Blue Jays a 2-0 lead.The Royals' comeback in the bottom of the fifth began with a blunder: Adam Frazier was caught in a rundown between third base and home for the second out of the inning. But he stayed alive long enough for Michael Massey to reach second base, and moments later, Guerrero allowed the throw for what should have been the final out of the inning to go right past him.“What can I say? I just missed the ball, period,” Guerrero said through an interpreter.Massey came around to score, Maikel Garcia followed with a base hit and Witt's double to left gave Kansas City a 3-2 lead.“Just tried to control the moment. Control what I could control,” Witt said.The Royals nearly added to that advantage in the seventh, when Garcia drew a two-out walk and Witt singled for his third hit of the night. Vinnie Pasquantino then hammered a pitch from Nate Pearson, but it skirted outside the foul pole in right field, and the Toronto reliever proceeded to strike him out to end the threat.Turned out that the Royals didn't need any more runs the way their bullpen performed.“I mean, it was a one-run game, so there was no margin for error,” Quatraro said. “They put up 4 2/3 scoreless against a really good team, so I can't overstate them enough. Without that, we're either still out there or we're behind."UP NEXTBlue Jays RHP Yariel Rodriguez (0-0, 2.35 ERA) takes the mound Wednesday night against Royals RHP Alec Marsh (3-0, 3.22)

⚾Witt's 2-run double sends Kansas City to win over Toronto

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — The U.S. Figure Skating championships will take place in Wichita, Kansas, next year in what should amount to a preview of the names to watch for the American team headed to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Italy.

The national governing body announced its calendar of domestically held international events Tuesday, along with awarding the U.S. championships to Wichita. The event will run from Jan. 20-26 at INTRUST Bank Arena.

The Grand Prix season begins Oct. 18 with Skate America, which will take place for the second straight year at Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen, Texas. It is the first event in the six-stop international Grand Prix schedule.

The U.S. also will host the 2025 world championships from March 23-30 at TD Garden in Boston.

U.S. figure skaters topped the medal table with two golds and a bronze at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, and they could do even better at the next Winter Games. Ilia Malinin recently won his first world title with a record-setting free skate, Madison Chock and Evan Bates won a second straight ice dance gold, and Isabeau Levito took silver in the women’s event.

COLORADO SPRINGS, Colo. (AP) — The U.S. Figure Skating championships will take place in Wichita, Kansas, next year in what should amount to a preview of the names to watch for the American team headed to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, Italy.The national governing body announced its calendar of domestically held international events Tuesday, along with awarding the U.S. championships to Wichita. The event will run from Jan. 20-26 at INTRUST Bank Arena.The Grand Prix season begins Oct. 18 with Skate America, which will take place for the second straight year at Credit Union of Texas Event Center in Allen, Texas. It is the first event in the six-stop international Grand Prix schedule.The U.S. also will host the 2025 world championships from March 23-30 at TD Garden in Boston.U.S. figure skaters topped the medal table with two golds and a bronze at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, and they could do even better at the next Winter Games. Ilia Malinin recently won his first world title with a record-setting free skate, Madison Chock and Evan Bates won a second straight ice dance gold, and Isabeau Levito took silver in the women’s event.

US Figure Skating championships headed to Wichita next year

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bo Bichette had a bases-clearing triple, Daulton Varsho hit a two-run homer and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 5-3 on Monday night.

The Jays have won seven of nine. The Royals lost their third straight at home after winning their previous nine at Kauffman Stadium.

Yusei Kikuchi (2-1) was efficient early, allowing one baserunner on 48 pitches in the first five innings.

“(Kikuchi) was lights out early, he just ran into trouble on the sixth,” Toronto manager John Schneider said. “That’s as efficient as I’ve ever seen him with his pitch count. He was attacking guys, getting weak contact and strikeouts.

"And (we got) huge hits from Bo and Varsho, obviously.”

Kikuchi allowed a two-run home run by Maikel Garcia in the sixth. With two outs, Vinnie Pasquantino hit an infield single and Salvador Perez followed with a double. But Kikuchi retired Nelson Velázquez on a grounder to end the threat.

“My fastball was working really well today,” Kikuchi said through an interpreter. “I was able to throw it up in the zone to a lot to those hitters.”

Right-hander Tyler Duffey, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Omaha earlier Monday, worked two scoreless innings in relief, striking out three.

Jordan Romano surrendered a homer by Kyle Isbel in the ninth but finished for his third save of the season and 100th of his career.

“That’s awesome for him,” Schneider said. “Knowing him for a long time and seeing him as a starter in the minors, a lot of credit goes to him. It’s not easy to do, whether it’s a three-run lead or a one-run lead. He’s been doing it for a number of years now. (I'm) really glad we won, but really happy for him. He’s actually turned himself into a pretty elite closer.”

Brady Singer (2-1) allowed five runs on five hits in six innings. He struck out five and walked three, all of whom scored.

“(Singer) was throwing harder at the beginning of the game,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “He had some good movement on his two-seamer and in his breaking ball. He threw a couple four-seamers in there as well. But he really just got hurt by the walks.”

Singer struck out the first two Toronto batters in the second inning, becoming the 19th Royals pitcher to reach 500 career strikeouts. He tied Steve Busby as the fastest Royals pitcher to achieve the milestone, getting there in his 100th appearance.

“I'm fortunate enough to play this game, so it's really cool,” Singer said.

Singer issued two walks in the third that cost him. His free pass to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. loaded the bases, and Bichette lined a triple off the glove of center fielder Garrett Hampson to score three runs.

Varsho's homer in the sixth made it 5-0, and the Royals' two homers weren't enough.

“The homers are nice,” Quatraro said. “We just need to sustain some things and be able to score in other ways as well.”

Royals: LHP Anthony Veneziano was optioned to Omaha to make room for Duffey.

Blue Jays: RHP Alek Manoah, who has yet to pitch this season because of a shoulder injury, is scheduled to start for Triple-A Buffalo Wednesday or Thursday.

The four-game series continues Tuesday with Toronto sending Kevin Gausman (0-2, 8.16 ERA) to the mound to face Michael Wacha (1-2, 3.75).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713839444810.jpeg" alt="Toronto Blue Jays' Bo Bichette watches his three-run triple during the third inning of a baseball game Monday, April 22, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Toronto Blue Jays' Bo Bichette watches his three-run triple during the third inning of a baseball game Monday, April 22, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bo Bichette had a bases-clearing triple, Daulton Varsho hit a two-run homer and the Toronto Blue Jays beat the Kansas City Royals 5-3 on Monday night.The Jays have won seven of nine. The Royals lost their third straight at home after winning their previous nine at Kauffman Stadium.Yusei Kikuchi (2-1) was efficient early, allowing one baserunner on 48 pitches in the first five innings.“(Kikuchi) was lights out early, he just ran into trouble on the sixth,” Toronto manager John Schneider said. “That’s as efficient as I’ve ever seen him with his pitch count. He was attacking guys, getting weak contact and strikeouts."And (we got) huge hits from Bo and Varsho, obviously.”Kikuchi allowed a two-run home run by Maikel Garcia in the sixth. With two outs, Vinnie Pasquantino hit an infield single and Salvador Perez followed with a double. But Kikuchi retired Nelson Velázquez on a grounder to end the threat.“My fastball was working really well today,” Kikuchi said through an interpreter. “I was able to throw it up in the zone to a lot to those hitters.”Right-hander Tyler Duffey, whose contract was selected from Triple-A Omaha earlier Monday, worked two scoreless innings in relief, striking out three.Jordan Romano surrendered a homer by Kyle Isbel in the ninth but finished for his third save of the season and 100th of his career.“That’s awesome for him,” Schneider said. “Knowing him for a long time and seeing him as a starter in the minors, a lot of credit goes to him. It’s not easy to do, whether it’s a three-run lead or a one-run lead. He’s been doing it for a number of years now. (I'm) really glad we won, but really happy for him. He’s actually turned himself into a pretty elite closer.”Brady Singer (2-1) allowed five runs on five hits in six innings. He struck out five and walked three, all of whom scored.“(Singer) was throwing harder at the beginning of the game,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “He had some good movement on his two-seamer and in his breaking ball. He threw a couple four-seamers in there as well. But he really just got hurt by the walks.”Singer struck out the first two Toronto batters in the second inning, becoming the 19th Royals pitcher to reach 500 career strikeouts. He tied Steve Busby as the fastest Royals pitcher to achieve the milestone, getting there in his 100th appearance.“I'm fortunate enough to play this game, so it's really cool,” Singer said.Singer issued two walks in the third that cost him. His free pass to Vladimir Guerrero Jr. loaded the bases, and Bichette lined a triple off the glove of center fielder Garrett Hampson to score three runs.Varsho's homer in the sixth made it 5-0, and the Royals' two homers weren't enough.“The homers are nice,” Quatraro said. “We just need to sustain some things and be able to score in other ways as well.”TRANSACTIONSRoyals: LHP Anthony Veneziano was optioned to Omaha to make room for Duffey.TRAINER'S ROOMBlue Jays: RHP Alek Manoah, who has yet to pitch this season because of a shoulder injury, is scheduled to start for Triple-A Buffalo Wednesday or Thursday.UP NEXTThe four-game series continues Tuesday with Toronto sending Kevin Gausman (0-2, 8.16 ERA) to the mound to face Michael Wacha (1-2, 3.75).___

⚾Bo Bichette has 3-run triple as Blue Jays beat Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Colton Cowser and Jordan Westburg hit back-to-back homers for Baltimore off Royals starter Seth Lugo, who had not allowed a home run since last September, and the Orioles went on to beat Kansas City 5-0 on Sunday.

Cole Irvin (1-1) scattered four hits and two walks in 6 2/3 innings for Baltimore. He stranded a runner on third in the first inning and another at second base in the fifth while earning his first win since beating the Royals on June 10, 2023.

“Just a quality team game,” Irvin said. “Felt like we did all the little things right today.”

The Royals were shut out for the first time this season after they were blanked 15 times last year.

Lugo (3-1) had pushed his streak of not allowing a homer to 41 1/3 innings before Cowser sent an 0-1 pitch soaring into the right-field fountains leading off the third. Westburg followed two pitches later with his drive into the left-field seats.

Cowser's splash came one day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kimbrel-save-ball-fountain-a60d00b16645de64c2e8797bb74a1d51">he mistakenly threw the souvenir ball from Craig Kimbrell's 422nd save into the fountains</a>&nbsp;while celebrating the Orioles' 9-7 win. The save tied Kimbrell for seventh on the career list, so Cowser ran back to the field after the game and managed to fish the ball out of the water with the help of some stadium staff.

“We prefer he hit one into the fountains,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said, “than throw one in the fountains.”

Lugo, who had allowed three runs in 25 2/3 innings, was dinged for four runs, nine hits and a walk in 5 1/3 innings Sunday.

Ryan Mountcastle added an RBI double and Westburg walked with the bases loaded to make it 4-0 in the sixth. Ryan O'Hearn drove in a run with an infield single in the eighth to help Baltimore pull away.

The Royals tried to rally in the eighth, putting runners at the corners with one out. But Danny Coulombe froze Salvador Perez with a pitch on the inside corner, then struck out Nelson Velázquez to end the inning.

“We didn't get much going,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “We had a couple of chances there where we didn't capitalize. When a team shuts you out, you have to tip your cap.”

Orioles OF Austin Hays (calf) was unavailable Sunday after being pulled from the game the previous night, Hyde said. The club plans to evaluate him again when it arrives in California for a series against the Angels.

Royals LHP Jake Brentz (hamstring) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha. He last appeared in a game for Kansas City on April 29, 2022, before undergoing Tommy John surgery. Brentz hurt his hamstring during a spring training game in March and had been throwing in Arizona.

The Orioles visit the Angels on Monday night, with RHP Albert Suárez getting the start.

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Colton Cowser and Jordan Westburg hit back-to-back homers for Baltimore off Royals starter Seth Lugo, who had not allowed a home run since last September, and the Orioles went on to beat Kansas City 5-0 on Sunday.Cole Irvin (1-1) scattered four hits and two walks in 6 2/3 innings for Baltimore. He stranded a runner on third in the first inning and another at second base in the fifth while earning his first win since beating the Royals on June 10, 2023.“Just a quality team game,” Irvin said. “Felt like we did all the little things right today.”The Royals were shut out for the first time this season after they were blanked 15 times last year.Lugo (3-1) had pushed his streak of not allowing a homer to 41 1/3 innings before Cowser sent an 0-1 pitch soaring into the right-field fountains leading off the third. Westburg followed two pitches later with his drive into the left-field seats.Cowser's splash came one day after&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/kimbrel-save-ball-fountain-a60d00b16645de64c2e8797bb74a1d51">he mistakenly threw the souvenir ball from Craig Kimbrell's 422nd save into the fountains</a>&nbsp;while celebrating the Orioles' 9-7 win. The save tied Kimbrell for seventh on the career list, so Cowser ran back to the field after the game and managed to fish the ball out of the water with the help of some stadium staff.“We prefer he hit one into the fountains,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said, “than throw one in the fountains.”Lugo, who had allowed three runs in 25 2/3 innings, was dinged for four runs, nine hits and a walk in 5 1/3 innings Sunday.Ryan Mountcastle added an RBI double and Westburg walked with the bases loaded to make it 4-0 in the sixth. Ryan O'Hearn drove in a run with an infield single in the eighth to help Baltimore pull away.The Royals tried to rally in the eighth, putting runners at the corners with one out. But Danny Coulombe froze Salvador Perez with a pitch on the inside corner, then struck out Nelson Velázquez to end the inning.The Royals were shut out for the first time this season after they were blanked 15 times last year.“We didn't get much going,” manager Matt Quatraro said. “We had a couple of chances there where we didn't capitalize. When a team shuts you out, you have to tip your cap.”TRAINER'S ROOMOrioles OF Austin Hays (calf) was unavailable Sunday after being pulled from the game the previous night, Hyde said. The club plans to evaluate him again when it arrives in California for a series against the Angels.Royals LHP Jake Brentz (hamstring) began a rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha. He last appeared in a game for Kansas City on April 29, 2022, before undergoing Tommy John surgery. Brentz hurt his hamstring during a spring training game in March and had been throwing in Arizona.UP NEXTThe Orioles visit the Angels on Monday night, with RHP Albert Suárez getting the start.

⚾ Orioles hand Royals first shut out the season

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Craig Kimbrel tied Billy Wagner for seventh on the career list with his 422nd save, Anthony Santander had the first three-double game of his major league career and the Baltimore Orioles rode a seven-run second inning to a 9-7 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night.

Salvador Perez tied his career high with five RBIs for the Royals, who tried to overcome a 7-0 deficit, and hit a game-ending flyout to Colton Cowser in front of the left-field warning track.

Kimbrel pitched a perfect ninth for his fifth save in six chances this year as the Orioles evened the three-game series. He is two saves behind John Franco on the career list and three back of Kenley Jansen.

Santander sprinted in to make a diving catch on Bobby Witt Jr's flare into short right field starting the ninth.

Corbin Burnes (3-0) pitched shutout ball until allowing Perez's three-run homer in the sixth, Perez's sixth home run this season. Burnes allowed four hits in 5 2/3 innings with four strikeouts and a walk.

Perez added a two-run single in a four-run seventh.

Cole Ragans (0-2) allowed seven runs and nine hits in 1 2/3 innings, Kansas City's shortest start this season.

Baltimore tied its season high with 15 hits, including eight with two strikes. Every Orioles starter had a hit.

Left fielder Austin Hays left after six innings because of calf tightness.

Ramón Urías hit an RBI double in the first and scored on James McCann's single, Adley Rutschman and Ryan Mouncastle hit run-scoring singles, Santander doubled in a run and Jordan Westburg had a a two-run single.

Kansas City placed RHP Jordan Lyles on the inactive list as he deals with a personal matter and recalled LHP Anthony Veneziano from Triple-A Omaha.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713668530710.jpeg" alt="AP2411204463Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez watches his three-run home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles Saturday, April 20, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)1284.jpg" />
 <figcaption>AP2411204463Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez watches his three-run home run during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles Saturday, April 20, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)1284.jpg</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Craig Kimbrel tied Billy Wagner for seventh on the career list with his 422nd save, Anthony Santander had the first three-double game of his major league career and the Baltimore Orioles rode a seven-run second inning to a 9-7 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday night.Salvador Perez tied his career high with five RBIs for the Royals, who tried to overcome a 7-0 deficit, and hit a game-ending flyout to Colton Cowser in front of the left-field warning track.Kimbrel pitched a perfect ninth for his fifth save in six chances this year as the Orioles evened the three-game series. He is two saves behind John Franco on the career list and three back of Kenley Jansen.Santander sprinted in to make a diving catch on Bobby Witt Jr's flare into short right field starting the ninth.Corbin Burnes (3-0) pitched shutout ball until allowing Perez's three-run homer in the sixth, Perez's sixth home run this season. Burnes allowed four hits in 5 2/3 innings with four strikeouts and a walk.Perez added a two-run single in a four-run seventh.Cole Ragans (0-2) allowed seven runs and nine hits in 1 2/3 innings, Kansas City's shortest start this season.Baltimore tied its season high with 15 hits, including eight with two strikes. Every Orioles starter had a hit.Left fielder Austin Hays left after six innings because of calf tightness.Ramón Urías hit an RBI double in the first and scored on James McCann's single, Adley Rutschman and Ryan Mouncastle hit run-scoring singles, Santander doubled in a run and Jordan Westburg had a a two-run single.ROSTER MOVESKansas City placed RHP Jordan Lyles on the inactive list as he deals with a personal matter and recalled LHP Anthony Veneziano from Triple-A Omaha.UP NEXT

⚾ Kimbrel gets 422nd save, Santander hits 3 doubles and Orioles beat Royals 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino and MJ Melendez homered to help the Kansas City Royals beat Baltimore 9-4 on Friday night and stop the Orioles’ four-game winning streak.

Adley Rutschman hit his first career grand slam for the Orioles, a seventh-inning homer off Will Smith.

Dean Kremer (0-2) retired his first 11 batters before Pasquantino drove a 1-1 splitter into the right-field bullpen for his fourth homer.

Pasquantino has four homers and 11 RBIs during an eight-game hitting streak.

“Vinnie did a great job getting us going with that homer,” Michael Massey said. “It felt like one of those nights where we had to scratch and claw, and it broke open late for us.”

Returning from the injured list in his season debut, Massey had two hits and two RBIs.

MJ Melendez sparked a five-run sixth with an RBI single that ended an 0-for-23 slide. Massey and Hunter Renfroe each had two-run hits for a 6-0 lead.

“We were able to find some good at-bats late when we needed to and have a big inning,” Melendez said.

Maikel Garcia stopped an 0-for-26 slide with a leadoff single in the seventh and Melendez hit a three-run homer off Dillon Tate.

“A sinker, middle of the plate,” said Melendez. “Didn’t miss it.”

Kansas City won its ninth straight home game, their longest home winning streak since May 27-June 15, 2016.

Marsh (3-0) escaped jams in the first and fourth innings, working around a pair of Rutschman singles. Marsh allowed three hits and two walks, striking out six in 5 2/3 scoreless innings.

“We made a couple of mistakes there in the first with the scoring opportunity, and then with the bases loaded off a guy we’ve had a tough time with,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. “Just didn’t push any runs across.”

Kremer allowed three runs, two hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings. Three Baltimore relievers surrendered six runs on seven hits in 2 1/3 innings.

“Dean threw the ball great,” Hyde said. “A couple of walks in the sixth, but left with two outs in a 1-0 game. We’ve got to do a batter job of shutting the door for him. We just didn’t pitch great out of the pen.”

Baltimore stopped a five-game streak of hitting at least three home runs, falling one shy of the major league record set by the 1987 Orioles.

Massey was 2 for 4 after recovering from lower back tightness that had sidelined him since spring training. Kansas City optioned infielder Nick Loftin to Triple-A Omaha.

Orioles RHP Corbin Burnes (2-0, 2.28 ERA) opposes Royals LHP Cole Ragans (0-1, 1.93) on Saturday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713581267441.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Nelson Velazquez, left, and Michael Massey celebrate after scoring on a double hit by Hunter Renfroe during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles Friday, April 19, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Nelson Velazquez, left, and Michael Massey celebrate after scoring on a double hit by Hunter Renfroe during the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles Friday, April 19, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Vinnie Pasquantino and MJ Melendez homered to help the Kansas City Royals beat Baltimore 9-4 on Friday night and stop the Orioles’ four-game winning streak.Adley Rutschman hit his first career grand slam for the Orioles, a seventh-inning homer off Will Smith.Dean Kremer (0-2) retired his first 11 batters before Pasquantino drove a 1-1 splitter into the right-field bullpen for his fourth homer.Pasquantino has four homers and 11 RBIs during an eight-game hitting streak.“Vinnie did a great job getting us going with that homer,” Michael Massey said. “It felt like one of those nights where we had to scratch and claw, and it broke open late for us.”Returning from the injured list in his season debut, Massey had two hits and two RBIs.MJ Melendez sparked a five-run sixth with an RBI single that ended an 0-for-23 slide. Massey and Hunter Renfroe each had two-run hits for a 6-0 lead.“We were able to find some good at-bats late when we needed to and have a big inning,” Melendez said.Maikel Garcia stopped an 0-for-26 slide with a leadoff single in the seventh and Melendez hit a three-run homer off Dillon Tate.“A sinker, middle of the plate,” said Melendez. “Didn’t miss it.”Kansas City won its ninth straight home game, their longest home winning streak since May 27-June 15, 2016.Marsh (3-0) escaped jams in the first and fourth innings, working around a pair of Rutschman singles. Marsh allowed three hits and two walks, striking out six in 5 2/3 scoreless innings.“We made a couple of mistakes there in the first with the scoring opportunity, and then with the bases loaded off a guy we’ve had a tough time with,” Orioles manager Brandon Hyde said. “Just didn’t push any runs across.”Kremer allowed three runs, two hits and three walks in 5 2/3 innings. Three Baltimore relievers surrendered six runs on seven hits in 2 1/3 innings.“Dean threw the ball great,” Hyde said. “A couple of walks in the sixth, but left with two outs in a 1-0 game. We’ve got to do a batter job of shutting the door for him. We just didn’t pitch great out of the pen.”Baltimore stopped a five-game streak of hitting at least three home runs, falling one shy of the major league record set by the 1987 Orioles.TRAINER’S ROOMMassey was 2 for 4 after recovering from lower back tightness that had sidelined him since spring training. Kansas City optioned infielder Nick Loftin to Triple-A Omaha.UP NEXTOrioles RHP Corbin Burnes (2-0, 2.28 ERA) opposes Royals LHP Cole Ragans (0-1, 1.93) on Saturday.

⚾Pasquantino, Melendez homer as Royals stop Orioles' winning streak

CHICAGO (AP) — Gavin Sheets homered, Erick Fedde pitched scoreless ball into the sixth inning and the struggling Chicago White Sox edged the Kansas City Royals 2-1 on Wednesday for a doubleheader split that ended a six-game slide.

Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning of the opener to put the Royals ahead, and Kansas City went on to win 4-2.

Paul DeJong had a five-hit day, adding two singles in the second game after going 3 for 3 in the first with a homer, double and walk. The White Sox are off to the worst start in franchise history at 3-15.

“I don't think I've played a doubleheader where we did 30 minutes in-between,” DeJong said. "Two full nines, so it was a grinder day, but we got it done in the second game.

“To win a tight game against a team that's kind of beaten us all year, that's special for us."

The doubleheader was scheduled after Tuesday night’s game was rained out. The Royals (12-7) are 6-1 against the AL Central rival White Sox.

Fedde (1-0) allowed three hits, including two infield singles, over 5 2/3 innings for his first win with Chicago. The 31-year-old right-hander signed with the White Sox in December after pitching in South Korea last season.

“It went really well,” Fedde said of his fourth start with Chicago. “I felt like I was able to get leadoff guys out, control counts. Had a few walks (three), but I picked my places with it and got to good situations overall.”

Sheets' solo shot in the sixth off Michael Wacha struck the right-field foul pole and put Chicago ahead 2-0. Dominic Fletcher drove in Chicago's first run with a single in the fourth.

Hunter Renfroe knocked in a run with a groundout in the seventh against Tanner Banks, Chicago's first reliever. Deivi Garcia followed with two scoreless innings for his second career save and first this season.

Wacha (1-1) yielded two runs and four hits in six innings. The veteran righty struck out four and walked two.

“Our hitters will be there. They come up clutch, they get timely hitting,” Wacha said. “It just wasn't in the cards today.”

It was in the opener, though, when Perez homered off Michael Kopech to left-center to give the Royals a 3-2 lead. Kansas City’s eight-time All-Star catcher started both ends of the twinbill after missing Monday's game with a groin injury.

“Clearly, that home run was the huge point in the game," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “But regardless, I thought (Perez) looked really good prior to that, too.”

Perez launched the first pitch he saw from the hard-throwing Kopech with two outs for his fifth home run.

“Not surprised. He earned that,” Quatraro said. “I mean, Kopech, that guy's got an electric arm. To be able to turn a fastball around like that, that's impressive.”

Perez, who turns 34 next month, was injured in a collision at the plate in a 2-1 loss to the Mets in New York on Sunday.

Renfroe added a solo shot in the ninth and Adam Frazier drove in the Royals’ first run with a single. Bobby Witt Jr. had two hits and was aboard for Perez's homer after beating out an infield single.

DeJong hit a two-run homer off Royals starter Brady Singer.

Nick Anderson (1-1), the second of four Kansas City relievers, pitched a scoreless seventh for the win. James McArthur worked around DeJong's double in the ninth for his fourth save.

Kopech (0-2) allowed two runs on two hits in the eighth and was charged with his first blown save.

Singer yielded two runs and three hits in five innings, walking three and striking out five. The right-hander had given up just two runs over 18 1/3 innings in three previous starts for a 0.98 ERA.

White Sox starter Jonathan Cannon pitched five strong innings in his major league debut and exited with a 2-1 lead. The lanky 23-year-old right-hander allowed three hits, struck out three and walked one while throwing 54 of 79 pitches for strikes.

“I thought I did well. I thought I executed a lot of pitches,” said Cannon, who had family and friends in the stands. "I was really able to execute my game plan going in.

“It was a dream come true, really," he added.

Cannon retired his first five hitters and should have gotten a sixth to end the second. Nelson Velázquez hit a line drive to center field, but Fletcher slipped twice and the ball sailed over him for a double.

Chicago jumped on top 2-1 in the bottom half on DeJong’s third homer.

Veteran outfielder Tommy Pham was expected to report to Triple-A Charlotte after finalizing a minor league contract with the White Sox on Tuesday.

Royals: RHP Alec Marsh (2-0, 4.32 ERA) faces Baltimore RHP Dean Kremer (0-1, 4.96) in Kansas City on Friday.

White Sox: LHP Garrett Crochet (1-2, 3.57 ERA) takes the mound Friday in Philadelphia against RHP Spencer Turnbull (1-0, 1.80).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713393222199.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez runs the bases after hitting a home run during the eighth inning of the first baseball game of a doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez runs the bases after hitting a home run during the eighth inning of the first baseball game of a doubleheader against the Chicago White Sox, Wednesday, April 17, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — Gavin Sheets homered, Erick Fedde pitched scoreless ball into the sixth inning and the struggling Chicago White Sox edged the Kansas City Royals 2-1 on Wednesday for a doubleheader split that ended a six-game slide.Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer in the eighth inning of the opener to put the Royals ahead, and Kansas City went on to win 4-2.Paul DeJong had a five-hit day, adding two singles in the second game after going 3 for 3 in the first with a homer, double and walk. The White Sox are off to the worst start in franchise history at 3-15.“I don't think I've played a doubleheader where we did 30 minutes in-between,” DeJong said. "Two full nines, so it was a grinder day, but we got it done in the second game.“To win a tight game against a team that's kind of beaten us all year, that's special for us."The doubleheader was scheduled after Tuesday night’s game was rained out. The Royals (12-7) are 6-1 against the AL Central rival White Sox.Fedde (1-0) allowed three hits, including two infield singles, over 5 2/3 innings for his first win with Chicago. The 31-year-old right-hander signed with the White Sox in December after pitching in South Korea last season.“It went really well,” Fedde said of his fourth start with Chicago. “I felt like I was able to get leadoff guys out, control counts. Had a few walks (three), but I picked my places with it and got to good situations overall.”Sheets' solo shot in the sixth off Michael Wacha struck the right-field foul pole and put Chicago ahead 2-0. Dominic Fletcher drove in Chicago's first run with a single in the fourth.Hunter Renfroe knocked in a run with a groundout in the seventh against Tanner Banks, Chicago's first reliever. Deivi Garcia followed with two scoreless innings for his second career save and first this season.Wacha (1-1) yielded two runs and four hits in six innings. The veteran righty struck out four and walked two.“Our hitters will be there. They come up clutch, they get timely hitting,” Wacha said. “It just wasn't in the cards today.”It was in the opener, though, when Perez homered off Michael Kopech to left-center to give the Royals a 3-2 lead. Kansas City’s eight-time All-Star catcher started both ends of the twinbill after missing Monday's game with a groin injury.“Clearly, that home run was the huge point in the game," Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “But regardless, I thought (Perez) looked really good prior to that, too.”Perez launched the first pitch he saw from the hard-throwing Kopech with two outs for his fifth home run.“Not surprised. He earned that,” Quatraro said. “I mean, Kopech, that guy's got an electric arm. To be able to turn a fastball around like that, that's impressive.”Perez, who turns 34 next month, was injured in a collision at the plate in a 2-1 loss to the Mets in New York on Sunday.Renfroe added a solo shot in the ninth and Adam Frazier drove in the Royals’ first run with a single. Bobby Witt Jr. had two hits and was aboard for Perez's homer after beating out an infield single.DeJong hit a two-run homer off Royals starter Brady Singer.Nick Anderson (1-1), the second of four Kansas City relievers, pitched a scoreless seventh for the win. James McArthur worked around DeJong's double in the ninth for his fourth save.Kopech (0-2) allowed two runs on two hits in the eighth and was charged with his first blown save.Singer yielded two runs and three hits in five innings, walking three and striking out five. The right-hander had given up just two runs over 18 1/3 innings in three previous starts for a 0.98 ERA.White Sox starter Jonathan Cannon pitched five strong innings in his major league debut and exited with a 2-1 lead. The lanky 23-year-old right-hander allowed three hits, struck out three and walked one while throwing 54 of 79 pitches for strikes.“I thought I did well. I thought I executed a lot of pitches,” said Cannon, who had family and friends in the stands. "I was really able to execute my game plan going in.“It was a dream come true, really," he added.Cannon retired his first five hitters and should have gotten a sixth to end the second. Nelson Velázquez hit a line drive to center field, but Fletcher slipped twice and the ball sailed over him for a double.Chicago jumped on top 2-1 in the bottom half on DeJong’s third homer.Veteran outfielder Tommy Pham was expected to report to Triple-A Charlotte after finalizing a minor league contract with the White Sox on Tuesday.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Alec Marsh (2-0, 4.32 ERA) faces Baltimore RHP Dean Kremer (0-1, 4.96) in Kansas City on Friday.White Sox: LHP Garrett Crochet (1-2, 3.57 ERA) takes the mound Friday in Philadelphia against RHP Spencer Turnbull (1-0, 1.80).

⚾ Royals, White Sox split doubleheader in Chicago

CHICAGO (AP) — The Kansas City Royals’ game at the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night has been postponed because of rain.

It will be made up on Wednesday afternoon as part of a straight doubleheader.

Kansas City beat Chicago&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-white-sox-score-lugo-9f51d9b56efae644197f5d1fac620cd7">2-0 in the series opener</a>&nbsp;on Monday night.

White Sox right-hander Jonathan Cannon takes the mound in the doubleheader opener for his big league debut. Right-hander Brady Singer starts for the Royals.

Kansas City right-hander Michael Wacha and Chicago right-hander Erick Fedde start the second game.

The rainout creates an extra day of rest for Royals catcher&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-perez-b495ebd2ed1ecafd912c4f9f03d40e47">Salvador Perez</a>, who is dealing with a groin injury.

Perez was out of the starting lineup before the game was postponed, but manager Matt Quatraro said he was available off the bench.

“He came in early, got worked on ... did his hitting and running,” Quatraro said. “Really we’re just trying to use discretion a little bit. Hopefully he feels better tomorrow.”

Perez, who turns 34 next month, had an MRI on Monday that showed a mild groin strain. He got hurt during Kansas City’s series finale at the New York Mets on Sunday.

Perez is batting .339 with four homers and 15 RBIs in 16 games this season. He hit his 250th career homer on Saturday.

The slumping White Sox finalized a minor league contract with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-sox-pham-716910dbbf8db68d1d8d96e572302d83">Tommy Pham</a>. The veteran outfielder will report to Triple-A Charlotte on Wednesday, giving him some time to ramp up before joining the big league team.

“He’s got a track record in this game, and he’s a really good hitter,” White Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. “He’s got the ability to control the strike zone. ... He’s got an edge to him that I really like.”

Pham hit .256 with 16 homers and 68 RBIs in 129 games last season. He was traded from the New York Mets to Arizona on Aug. 1, and he helped the Diamondbacks make a surprising run to the World Series.

CHICAGO (AP) — The Kansas City Royals’ game at the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night has been postponed because of rain.<div><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><a href="https://t.co/4CJMtTX7Xv">pic.twitter.com/4CJMtTX7Xv</a>&mdash; Chicago White Sox (@whitesox) <a href="https://twitter.com/whitesox/status/1780370304151281928?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>It will be made up on Wednesday afternoon as part of a straight doubleheader.Kansas City beat Chicago&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-white-sox-score-lugo-9f51d9b56efae644197f5d1fac620cd7">2-0 in the series opener</a>&nbsp;on Monday night.White Sox right-hander Jonathan Cannon takes the mound in the doubleheader opener for his big league debut. Right-hander Brady Singer starts for the Royals.Kansas City right-hander Michael Wacha and Chicago right-hander Erick Fedde start the second game.The rainout creates an extra day of rest for Royals catcher&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-perez-b495ebd2ed1ecafd912c4f9f03d40e47">Salvador Perez</a>, who is dealing with a groin injury.Perez was out of the starting lineup before the game was postponed, but manager Matt Quatraro said he was available off the bench.“He came in early, got worked on ... did his hitting and running,” Quatraro said. “Really we’re just trying to use discretion a little bit. Hopefully he feels better tomorrow.”Perez, who turns 34 next month, had an MRI on Monday that showed a mild groin strain. He got hurt during Kansas City’s series finale at the New York Mets on Sunday.Perez is batting .339 with four homers and 15 RBIs in 16 games this season. He hit his 250th career homer on Saturday.The slumping White Sox finalized a minor league contract with&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-sox-pham-716910dbbf8db68d1d8d96e572302d83">Tommy Pham</a>. The veteran outfielder will report to Triple-A Charlotte on Wednesday, giving him some time to ramp up before joining the big league team.“He’s got a track record in this game, and he’s a really good hitter,” White Sox manager Pedro Grifol said. “He’s got the ability to control the strike zone. ... He’s got an edge to him that I really like.”Pham hit .256 with 16 homers and 68 RBIs in 129 games last season. He was traded from the New York Mets to Arizona on Aug. 1, and he helped the Diamondbacks make a surprising run to the World Series.

⚾ Royals game Tuesday postponed due to rain in Chicago

NEW YORK (AP) — Whitey Herzog, the gruff and ingenious Hall of Fame manager who guided the St. Louis Cardinals to three pennants and a World Series title in the 1980s and perfected an intricate, nail-biting strategy known as "Whiteyball," has died. He was 92.

Cardinals spokesman Brian Bartow said Tuesday the team had been informed of his death by Herzog's family. The team was not yet sure whether it happened Monday night or Tuesday. Herzog had been at Busch Stadium on April 4 for the Cardinals' home opener.

A crew-cut, pot-bellied tobacco chewer who had no patience for the "buddy-buddy" school of management, Herzog joined the Cardinals in 1980 and helped end the team's decade-plus pennant drought by adapting it to the artificial surface and distant fences of Busch Memorial Stadium. A typical Cardinals victory under Herzog was a low-scoring, 1-run game, sealed in the final innings by a “bullpen by committee,” relievers who might be replaced after a single pitch, or temporarily shifted to the outfield, then brought back to the mound.

The Cardinals had power hitters in George Hendrick and Jack Clark, but they mostly relied on the speed and resourcefulness of switch-hitters Vince Coleman and Willie McGee, the acrobat fielding of shortstop and future Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith and the effective pitching of starters such as John Tudor and Danny Cox and relievers Todd Worrell, Ken Dayley and Jeff Lahti. For the '82 champions, Herzog didn't bother rotating relievers, but simply brought in future Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter to finish the job.

"They (the media) seemed to think there was something wrong with the way we played baseball, with speed and defense and line-drive hitters," Herzog wrote in his memoir "White Rat: A Life in Baseball," published in 1987. "They called it 'Whiteyball' and said it couldn't last."

Under Herzog, the Cards won pennants in 1982, 1985 and 1987, and the World Series in 1982, when they edged the Milwaukee Brewers in seven games. Herzog managed the Kansas City Royals to division titles in 1976-78, but they lost each time in the league championship to the New York Yankees.

Overall, Herzog was a manager for 18 seasons, compiling a record of 1,281 wins and 1,125 losses. He was named Manager of the Year in 1985 and voted into the Hall by the Veterans Committee in 2010, his plaque noting his "stern, yet good-natured style," and his emphasis on speed, pitching and defense. Just before he formally entered the Hall, the Cardinals retired his uniform number, 24.

When asked about the secrets of managing, he would reply a sense of humor and a good bullpen.

Dorrel Norman Elvert Herzog was born in New Athens, Illinois, a blue-collar community that would shape him long after he left. He excelled in baseball and basketball and was open to skipping the occasional class to take in a Cardinals game. Signed up by the Yankees, he was a center fielder who discovered that he had competition from a prospect born just weeks before him, Mickey Mantle.

Herzog never played for the Yankees, but he did get to know manager Casey Stengel, another master shuffler of players who became a key influence. The light-haired Herzog was named "The White Rat" because of his resemblance to Yankees pitcher Bob "The White Rat" Kuzava.

Like so many successful managers, Herzog was a mediocre player, batting just .257 over eight seasons and playing several positions. His best year was with Baltimore in 1961, when he hit .291. He also played for the Washington Senators, Kansas City Athletics and Detroit Tigers, with whom he ended his playing career, in 1963.

"Baseball has been good to me since I quit trying to play it," he liked to say.

After working as a scout and coach, Herzog was hired in 1967 by the New York Mets as director of player development, with Tom Seaver and Nolan Ryan among the future stars he helped bring along. The Mets liked him well enough to designate him the successor to Gil Hodges, but when the manager died suddenly in 1972 the job went to Yogi Berra. Herzog instead debuted with the Texas Rangers the following season, finishing just 47-91 before being replaced by Billy Martin. He managed the Angels for a few games in 1974 and joined the Royals the following season, his time with Kansas City peaking in 1977 when the team finished 102-60.

Many players spoke warmly of Herzog, but he didn’t hesitate to rid his teams of those he no longer wanted, dumping such Cardinals stars as outfielder Lonnie Smith and starting pitcher Joaquin Andujar. One trade worked out brilliantly: Before the 1982 season, he exchanged .300 hitting shortstop Garry Templeton, whom Herzog had chastised for not hustling, for the Padres' light-hitting Ozzie Smith, now widely regarded as the best defensive shortstop in history. Another deal was less far successful: Gold Glove first baseman Keith Hernandez, with whom Herzog had feuded, to the Mets in the middle of 1983 for pitchers Neil Allen and Rick Ownbey. Hernandez led New York to the World Series title in 1986, while Allen and Ownbey were soon forgotten.

Herzog was just as tough on himself, resigning in the middle of 1990 because he was “embarrassed” by the team’s 33-47 record. He served as a consultant and general manager for the Angels in the early '90s and briefly considered managing the Red Sox before the 1997 season.

If the '82 championship was the highlight of his career, his greatest blow was the '85 series. The Cardinals were up 3 games to 2 against his former team, the Royals, and in Game 6 led 1-0 going into the bottom of the ninth, with Worrell brought in to finish the job.

Jorge Orta led off and grounded a 0-2 pitch between the mound and first base. In one of the most famous blown calls in baseball history, he was ruled safe by umpire Don Denkinger, even though replays showed first baseman Jack Clark's toss to Worrell was in time. The Cardinals never recovered. Kansas City rallied for two runs to tie the series and crushed the Cards 11-0 in Game 7.

"No, I'm not bitter at Denkinger," Herzog told the AP years later. "He's a good guy, he knows he made a mistake, and he's a human being. It happened at an inopportune time but I do think they ought to have instant replay in the playoffs and World Series."

As if testing Herzog's humor, the Hall inducted him alongside an umpire, Doug Harvey.

"I don't know why he should get in," Herzog joked at the time. "Doug kicked me out of more games than any other umpire."

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713282597678.png" alt="" />
 <figcaption></figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Whitey Herzog, the gruff and ingenious Hall of Fame manager who guided the St. Louis Cardinals to three pennants and a World Series title in the 1980s and perfected an intricate, nail-biting strategy known as "Whiteyball," has died. He was 92.Cardinals spokesman Brian Bartow said Tuesday the team had been informed of his death by Herzog's family. The team was not yet sure whether it happened Monday night or Tuesday. Herzog had been at Busch Stadium on April 4 for the Cardinals' home opener.A crew-cut, pot-bellied tobacco chewer who had no patience for the "buddy-buddy" school of management, Herzog joined the Cardinals in 1980 and helped end the team's decade-plus pennant drought by adapting it to the artificial surface and distant fences of Busch Memorial Stadium. A typical Cardinals victory under Herzog was a low-scoring, 1-run game, sealed in the final innings by a “bullpen by committee,” relievers who might be replaced after a single pitch, or temporarily shifted to the outfield, then brought back to the mound.The Cardinals had power hitters in George Hendrick and Jack Clark, but they mostly relied on the speed and resourcefulness of switch-hitters Vince Coleman and Willie McGee, the acrobat fielding of shortstop and future Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith and the effective pitching of starters such as John Tudor and Danny Cox and relievers Todd Worrell, Ken Dayley and Jeff Lahti. For the '82 champions, Herzog didn't bother rotating relievers, but simply brought in future Hall of Famer Bruce Sutter to finish the job."They (the media) seemed to think there was something wrong with the way we played baseball, with speed and defense and line-drive hitters," Herzog wrote in his memoir "White Rat: A Life in Baseball," published in 1987. "They called it 'Whiteyball' and said it couldn't last."Under Herzog, the Cards won pennants in 1982, 1985 and 1987, and the World Series in 1982, when they edged the Milwaukee Brewers in seven games. Herzog managed the Kansas City Royals to division titles in 1976-78, but they lost each time in the league championship to the New York Yankees.Overall, Herzog was a manager for 18 seasons, compiling a record of 1,281 wins and 1,125 losses. He was named Manager of the Year in 1985 and voted into the Hall by the Veterans Committee in 2010, his plaque noting his "stern, yet good-natured style," and his emphasis on speed, pitching and defense. Just before he formally entered the Hall, the Cardinals retired his uniform number, 24.When asked about the secrets of managing, he would reply a sense of humor and a good bullpen.Dorrel Norman Elvert Herzog was born in New Athens, Illinois, a blue-collar community that would shape him long after he left. He excelled in baseball and basketball and was open to skipping the occasional class to take in a Cardinals game. Signed up by the Yankees, he was a center fielder who discovered that he had competition from a prospect born just weeks before him, Mickey Mantle.Herzog never played for the Yankees, but he did get to know manager Casey Stengel, another master shuffler of players who became a key influence. The light-haired Herzog was named "The White Rat" because of his resemblance to Yankees pitcher Bob "The White Rat" Kuzava.Like so many successful managers, Herzog was a mediocre player, batting just .257 over eight seasons and playing several positions. His best year was with Baltimore in 1961, when he hit .291. He also played for the Washington Senators, Kansas City Athletics and Detroit Tigers, with whom he ended his playing career, in 1963."Baseball has been good to me since I quit trying to play it," he liked to say.After working as a scout and coach, Herzog was hired in 1967 by the New York Mets as director of player development, with Tom Seaver and Nolan Ryan among the future stars he helped bring along. The Mets liked him well enough to designate him the successor to Gil Hodges, but when the manager died suddenly in 1972 the job went to Yogi Berra. Herzog instead debuted with the Texas Rangers the following season, finishing just 47-91 before being replaced by Billy Martin. He managed the Angels for a few games in 1974 and joined the Royals the following season, his time with Kansas City peaking in 1977 when the team finished 102-60.Many players spoke warmly of Herzog, but he didn’t hesitate to rid his teams of those he no longer wanted, dumping such Cardinals stars as outfielder Lonnie Smith and starting pitcher Joaquin Andujar. One trade worked out brilliantly: Before the 1982 season, he exchanged .300 hitting shortstop Garry Templeton, whom Herzog had chastised for not hustling, for the Padres' light-hitting Ozzie Smith, now widely regarded as the best defensive shortstop in history. Another deal was less far successful: Gold Glove first baseman Keith Hernandez, with whom Herzog had feuded, to the Mets in the middle of 1983 for pitchers Neil Allen and Rick Ownbey. Hernandez led New York to the World Series title in 1986, while Allen and Ownbey were soon forgotten.Herzog was just as tough on himself, resigning in the middle of 1990 because he was “embarrassed” by the team’s 33-47 record. He served as a consultant and general manager for the Angels in the early '90s and briefly considered managing the Red Sox before the 1997 season.If the '82 championship was the highlight of his career, his greatest blow was the '85 series. The Cardinals were up 3 games to 2 against his former team, the Royals, and in Game 6 led 1-0 going into the bottom of the ninth, with Worrell brought in to finish the job.Jorge Orta led off and grounded a 0-2 pitch between the mound and first base. In one of the most famous blown calls in baseball history, he was ruled safe by umpire Don Denkinger, even though replays showed first baseman Jack Clark's toss to Worrell was in time. The Cardinals never recovered. Kansas City rallied for two runs to tie the series and crushed the Cards 11-0 in Game 7."No, I'm not bitter at Denkinger," Herzog told the AP years later. "He's a good guy, he knows he made a mistake, and he's a human being. It happened at an inopportune time but I do think they ought to have instant replay in the playoffs and World Series."As if testing Herzog's humor, the Hall inducted him alongside an umpire, Doug Harvey."I don't know why he should get in," Herzog joked at the time. "Doug kicked me out of more games than any other umpire."

Legendary Cardinals and Royals manager Whitey Herzog dies at 92

CHICAGO (AP) — Seth Lugo pitched seven crisp innings, Vinnie Pasquantino homered and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 2-0 on Monday night.

Lugo (3-0) allowed four hits — all singles — in his third straight win. The right-hander struck out four and walked one.

Kansas City improved to 5-0 against Chicago already this season. The surprising Royals have allowed a major league-low 48 runs during their 11-6 start, and the White Sox have scored 34 runs so far — also the lowest total in the big leagues.

Andrew Benintendi had two of Chicago's four hits in its fifth consecutive loss. The White Sox were shut out for the sixth time during their 2-14 start.

Braden Shewmake was the only Chicago runner to advance past first base. He singled and swiped second in the fifth, but was stranded there when Robbie Grossman flied out to the warning track in right.

Chris Stratton got three outs for Kansas City before James McArthur earned his third save.

Gavin Sheets was hit by a pitch with two down in the ninth, but McArthur struck out pinch-hitter Eloy Jiménez for the final out.

White Sox right-hander Nick Nastrini (0-1) permitted two runs and three hits over five innings in his major league debut. He struck out five and walked two.

Nastrini retired his first 11 batters before Pasquantino connected for his third homer in the fourth, a 421-foot drive to right on a 2-1 fastball.

Kyle Isbel hit a two-out RBI single in the fifth for Kansas City's second run. The Royals had a chance to break it open, but Bobby Witt Jr. flied out to the wall in center with the bases loaded.

Royals: C&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-salvador-perez-6522c4ffa45c7f70f960653eb38ccf28">Salvador Perez</a>&nbsp;rested after he had an MRI that showed a mild groin strain. He was replaced by Freddy Fermin. Perez left Sunday’s 2-1 loss at the Mets following a fourth-inning collision at home plate with Starling Marte. ... INF Michael Massey (low back strain) had an off day as he continues his rehab stint with Triple-A Omaha. “He's progressing really well,” manager Matt Quatraro said.

White Sox:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-sox-grifol-eloy-a4d061c6fc54ffada3dda229485b2845">Jiménez</a>&nbsp;was activated from the 10-day injured list. The slugger had been sidelined by a left adductor strain.

Right-handers Brady Singer and Jonathan Cannon take the mound on Tuesday night. Singer (2-0, 0.98 ERA) pitched five innings of one-run ball in Kansas City's 13-3 victory over Houston on Thursday. Cannon will make his major league debut for Chicago.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713234319647.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo throws against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning of a baseball game Monday, April 15, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo throws against the Chicago White Sox during the first inning of a baseball game Monday, April 15, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)</figcaption>
 </figure>CHICAGO (AP) — Seth Lugo pitched seven crisp innings, Vinnie Pasquantino homered and the Kansas City Royals beat the Chicago White Sox 2-0 on Monday night.Lugo (3-0) allowed four hits — all singles — in his third straight win. The right-hander struck out four and walked one.Kansas City improved to 5-0 against Chicago already this season. The surprising Royals have allowed a major league-low 48 runs during their 11-6 start, and the White Sox have scored 34 runs so far — also the lowest total in the big leagues.Andrew Benintendi had two of Chicago's four hits in its fifth consecutive loss. The White Sox were shut out for the sixth time during their 2-14 start.Braden Shewmake was the only Chicago runner to advance past first base. He singled and swiped second in the fifth, but was stranded there when Robbie Grossman flied out to the warning track in right.Chris Stratton got three outs for Kansas City before James McArthur earned his third save.Gavin Sheets was hit by a pitch with two down in the ninth, but McArthur struck out pinch-hitter Eloy Jiménez for the final out.White Sox right-hander Nick Nastrini (0-1) permitted two runs and three hits over five innings in his major league debut. He struck out five and walked two.Nastrini retired his first 11 batters before Pasquantino connected for his third homer in the fourth, a 421-foot drive to right on a 2-1 fastball.Kyle Isbel hit a two-out RBI single in the fifth for Kansas City's second run. The Royals had a chance to break it open, but Bobby Witt Jr. flied out to the wall in center with the bases loaded.TRAINER'S ROOMRoyals: C&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-salvador-perez-6522c4ffa45c7f70f960653eb38ccf28">Salvador Perez</a>&nbsp;rested after he had an MRI that showed a mild groin strain. He was replaced by Freddy Fermin. Perez left Sunday’s 2-1 loss at the Mets following a fourth-inning collision at home plate with Starling Marte. ... INF Michael Massey (low back strain) had an off day as he continues his rehab stint with Triple-A Omaha. “He's progressing really well,” manager Matt Quatraro said.White Sox:&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/white-sox-grifol-eloy-a4d061c6fc54ffada3dda229485b2845">Jiménez</a>&nbsp;was activated from the 10-day injured list. The slugger had been sidelined by a left adductor strain.UP NEXTRight-handers Brady Singer and Jonathan Cannon take the mound on Tuesday night. Singer (2-0, 0.98 ERA) pitched five innings of one-run ball in Kansas City's 13-3 victory over Houston on Thursday. Cannon will make his major league debut for Chicago.

⚾ Lugo pitches 7 crisp innings as the Royals beat the White Sox 

NEW YORK (AP) — Harrison Bader broke a scoreless tie with an infield single in the eighth inning and Edwin Díaz earned his first save at Citi Field since October 2022 as the New York Mets edged the Kansas City Royals 2-1 on Sunday.

“That was obviously not the most conventional way of scoring an RBI, but it did get the job done,” Bader said.

Mets rookie Jose Buttó and Royals starter Cole Ragans matched zeros for six innings in a crisp pitchers’ duel. New York stranded nine runners over the first seven innings — seven between the fifth and seventh — before Chris Stratton (1-1) walked the bases loaded in the eighth.

With two outs, Bader hit a slow roller toward third and Maikel Garcia was unable to make a barehand pickup.

“I thought it was going to hit the wall,” Bader said with a grin. “That was just a fortunate play and a play that went in our favor, which we like. I think we create our own luck in this field and in this game. That one worked out for us and I’m very happy it did.”

Stratton then walked Brandon Nimmo on four pitches, giving the Mets a 2-0 lead. The four walks by Stratton were his most since Aug. 26, 2019, when he walked four in two innings for Pittsburgh against Philadelphia.

“That’s an uncharacteristic outing and it certainly didn’t look like he was missing by much,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.

Díaz gave up a two-out homer to Vinnie Pasquantino in the ninth before getting Freddy Fermin on a popup for his third save this season. The first two came in Cincinnati.

It was Díaz’s first save at home — where his high-energy entrances to “&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S73zDvMgGmI">Narco</a>&nbsp;” by Blasterjaxx &amp; Timmy Trumpet&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-baseball-new-york-mets-82a4c1de9a91a8bf5e159455f699c024">became hugely popular</a>&nbsp;two years ago — since Oct. 4, 2022. After signing a $102 million, five-year contract, the star closer missed last season following a March 2023 knee injury sustained while celebrating on the field after Puerto Rico beat the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.

Brooks Raley (1-0) struck out two in a perfect eighth for the win. New York has won seven of 10 since an 0-5 start, taking three straight series.

“We’re playing a really good brand of baseball,” Bader said. “Just got to keep going.”

Buttó allowed two hits and struck out a career-high nine in six innings, the most strikeouts by a Mets pitcher since Jose Quintana had 10 last Sept. 23. The 26-year-old right-hander, who has made 12 big league appearances dating to 2022, is likely to get an extended audition in the rotation with Kodai Senga and Tylor Megill sidelined by shoulder injuries.

“He’s not going anywhere,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “He’ll continue to get the ball and he’ll get his chance. It’s good to see somebody stepping up.”

After the start was delayed 46 minutes by rain, Ragans gave up five hits and fanned eight in six innings. He was aided by a terrific defensive play from left fielder MJ Melendez, who threw out Starling Marte at the plate for an inning-ending double play in the fourth.

Marte slid hard into Salvador Perez, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-mets-perez-983eefdc2d89c04650fe7cc91ac81e8d">All-Star catcher later exited with injuries to his left groin and hip.</a>&nbsp;Quatraro said Perez would be evaluated again Monday.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better play on the defensive side, aside from the injury," Quatraro said.

Dwight Gooden had his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gooden-mets-16-retired-884fcfe61ee88540fa50247d74357e94">No. 16 retired by the Mets in a pregame ceremony.</a>&nbsp;Gooden went 157-85 with a 3.10 ERA and 1,875 strikeouts from 1984-94 during a Mets tenure interrupted by substance abuse and a suspension.

Royals: INF Michael Massey (lower back strain) went 1 for 4 with an RBI in his fifth rehab game for Double-A Omaha. Massey is batting .318 (7 of 22) for the Storm Chasers.

Mets: DH J.D. Martinez (back), who had a cortisone shot Tuesday, is expected to resume baseball activities Monday. … RHP Sean Reid-Foley (right shoulder) began a minor league rehab assignment and struck out the side in a perfect inning for Class A Brooklyn.

Royals: RHP Seth Lugo (2-0, 1.45 ERA) pitches Monday as Kansas City begins a three-game series at the Chicago White Sox, who counter with RHP Erick Fedde (0-0, 4.30).

Mets: Continue their homestand Monday night when RHP Adrian Houser (0-1, 5.40 ERA) starts against Pittsburgh LHP Martin Perez (1-0, 1.89).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/4/1713141208340.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. hits a double against the New York Mets during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, April 14, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. hits a double against the New York Mets during the sixth inning of a baseball game, Sunday, April 14, 2024, in New York. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Harrison Bader broke a scoreless tie with an infield single in the eighth inning and Edwin Díaz earned his first save at Citi Field since October 2022 as the New York Mets edged the Kansas City Royals 2-1 on Sunday.“That was obviously not the most conventional way of scoring an RBI, but it did get the job done,” Bader said.Mets rookie Jose Buttó and Royals starter Cole Ragans matched zeros for six innings in a crisp pitchers’ duel. New York stranded nine runners over the first seven innings — seven between the fifth and seventh — before Chris Stratton (1-1) walked the bases loaded in the eighth.With two outs, Bader hit a slow roller toward third and Maikel Garcia was unable to make a barehand pickup.“I thought it was going to hit the wall,” Bader said with a grin. “That was just a fortunate play and a play that went in our favor, which we like. I think we create our own luck in this field and in this game. That one worked out for us and I’m very happy it did.”Stratton then walked Brandon Nimmo on four pitches, giving the Mets a 2-0 lead. The four walks by Stratton were his most since Aug. 26, 2019, when he walked four in two innings for Pittsburgh against Philadelphia.“That’s an uncharacteristic outing and it certainly didn’t look like he was missing by much,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.Díaz gave up a two-out homer to Vinnie Pasquantino in the ninth before getting Freddy Fermin on a popup for his third save this season. The first two came in Cincinnati.It was Díaz’s first save at home — where his high-energy entrances to “&nbsp;<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S73zDvMgGmI">Narco</a>&nbsp;” by Blasterjaxx &amp; Timmy Trumpet&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/mlb-sports-baseball-new-york-mets-82a4c1de9a91a8bf5e159455f699c024">became hugely popular</a>&nbsp;two years ago — since Oct. 4, 2022. After signing a $102 million, five-year contract, the star closer missed last season following a March 2023 knee injury sustained while celebrating on the field after Puerto Rico beat the Dominican Republic in the World Baseball Classic.Brooks Raley (1-0) struck out two in a perfect eighth for the win. New York has won seven of 10 since an 0-5 start, taking three straight series.“We’re playing a really good brand of baseball,” Bader said. “Just got to keep going.”Buttó allowed two hits and struck out a career-high nine in six innings, the most strikeouts by a Mets pitcher since Jose Quintana had 10 last Sept. 23. The 26-year-old right-hander, who has made 12 big league appearances dating to 2022, is likely to get an extended audition in the rotation with Kodai Senga and Tylor Megill sidelined by shoulder injuries.“He’s not going anywhere,” Mets manager Carlos Mendoza said. “He’ll continue to get the ball and he’ll get his chance. It’s good to see somebody stepping up.”After the start was delayed 46 minutes by rain, Ragans gave up five hits and fanned eight in six innings. He was aided by a terrific defensive play from left fielder MJ Melendez, who threw out Starling Marte at the plate for an inning-ending double play in the fourth.Marte slid hard into Salvador Perez, and the&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/royals-mets-perez-983eefdc2d89c04650fe7cc91ac81e8d">All-Star catcher later exited with injuries to his left groin and hip.</a>&nbsp;Quatraro said Perez would be evaluated again Monday.“We couldn’t have asked for a better play on the defensive side, aside from the injury," Quatraro said.THE DOCTOR IS INDwight Gooden had his&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/gooden-mets-16-retired-884fcfe61ee88540fa50247d74357e94">No. 16 retired by the Mets in a pregame ceremony.</a>&nbsp;Gooden went 157-85 with a 3.10 ERA and 1,875 strikeouts from 1984-94 during a Mets tenure interrupted by substance abuse and a suspension.TRAINER’S ROOMRoyals: INF Michael Massey (lower back strain) went 1 for 4 with an RBI in his fifth rehab game for Double-A Omaha. Massey is batting .318 (7 of 22) for the Storm Chasers.Mets: DH J.D. Martinez (back), who had a cortisone shot Tuesday, is expected to resume baseball activities Monday. … RHP Sean Reid-Foley (right shoulder) began a minor league rehab assignment and struck out the side in a perfect inning for Class A Brooklyn.UP NEXTRoyals: RHP Seth Lugo (2-0, 1.45 ERA) pitches Monday as Kansas City begins a three-game series at the Chicago White Sox, who counter with RHP Erick Fedde (0-0, 4.30).Mets: Continue their homestand Monday night when RHP Adrian Houser (0-1, 5.40 ERA) starts against Pittsburgh LHP Martin Perez (1-0, 1.89).

Sports