Blue Jays top Royals, over .500 for first time in 5 months

**Blue Jays defeat Royals 4-3, move above .500 for first time since April**

**KANSAS CITY, Mo.** — The Toronto Blue Jays defeated the Kansas City Royals 4-3 on Saturday, securing their fourth consecutive victory and moving the team above .500 for the first time since April 3.

The decisive moment occurred in the seventh inning with the game tied 3-3. After Kansas City pitcher Craig Kimbrel (1-3) walked George Springer, Springer stole second base. Following a fielding error by Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. that allowed Nathan Lukes to reach base, Kazuma Okamoto hit a tiebreaking RBI single to center field, scoring Springer.

Toronto starter Max Scherzer allowed three runs over 5 2/3 innings. Mason Fluharty (6-1) earned the win after pitching a scoreless inning, and Louis Varland recorded his 33rd save of the season by closing out the ninth.

The Blue Jays (72-71) are now tied for the final American League wild-card spot.

Toronto opened the scoring in the first inning when Vladimir Guerrero Jr. scored on an infield hit by Alejandro Kirk, aided by a throwing error from Royals third baseman Josh Rojas. Lukes followed with an RBI single to extend the lead.

The Royals (63-80) responded in the bottom of the first with RBI singles from Jac Caglianone and Salvador Perez. Caglianone left the game in the third inning due to left elbow soreness.

Toronto regained the lead in the third inning on an RBI double by Okamoto, but Kansas City tied the game again in the fourth on a solo home run by John Rave.

Royals starter Seth Lugo allowed three runs on eight hits and two walks over five innings, striking out one.

The Royals have now lost five of their last six games.

Article and image source: brazilsun.com