Royals vs Rays Recap: Rojas HR Lifts Rays in 5-3 Win

The Royals rolled into Tampa Bay riding a two-game winning streak. But the night before, they got crushed 12-5 by the Rays. Now on Wednesday, June 24, Kansas City wanted to bounce back. They faced Griffin Jax, the Rays' pitcher trying to lock down victories. The Royals came without star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who sat out with a right knee injury. Despite the missing star, Kansas City was ready to fight. Tampa Bay stood at 43-33, sitting pretty at home. The Royals were 34-46, desperate for wins on the road. The final score told the whole story: Tampa Bay 5, Kansas City 3. The Rays stayed tough at home and found just enough offense to win.

The Rays wasted no time in the third inning. Noah Cameron pitched for Kansas City, and things fell apart fast. Ryan Vilade hit a ground ball, and first baseman Jac Caglianone bobbled it. Two runs scored on that throwing error. Then Jonathan Aranda smacked a single to left field. Junior Caminero raced home from third to make it 3-0 Rays. In the fourth inning, Yandy Díaz slapped a single to left. Nick Fortes trotted across the plate. Right after, Jonny DeLuca doubled down the left field line. Another run scored. The Royals were down 5-0 before they even got rolling.

Kansas City finally got on the board in the fifth inning. Salvador Perez hit a ground ball to left field. An error by left fielder Chandler Simpson let two runs score. Jensen and Caglianone both crossed home. The Royals were back in it at 5-2. Then in the ninth inning, Josh Rojas stepped up to face Bryan Baker. The ball exploded off Rojas's bat and sailed over the right field wall. A solo homer made it 5-3. But that was all Kansas City could manage. The final score stayed 5-3 Tampa Bay. The Rays moved to 43-33 for the season. Kansas City fell to 34-47, still searching for consistency on the road.