Royals vs Nationals Recap: Jansen's 4-for-4 Power Night

The Royals came to town hungry after losing 4-6 the night before. They were ready to strike fast. Carter Jensen led off the top of the first inning against Nationals starter Zack Littell. Jensen crushed a 91-mph fastball that rocketed over right field for a home run. The ball was gone instantly—366 feet. One pitch, one swing, one run on the board. The Royals kept attacking. John Rave stepped in during the second inning and blasted a fastball 402 feet to center field. Two homers, two innings. Then Lane Thomas jumped on a 92-mph fastball and sent it flying to center for another 411-foot blast. Michael Massey followed immediately with a 430-foot bomb. Four home runs through three innings. The Nationals looked completely lost. Kansas City's bats were on fire.

Kansas City kept rolling in the sixth inning. Isaac Collins laid down a sacrifice bunt that scored John Rave. Then Bobby Witt Jr. singled to center, bringing Collins home. The Royals led 6-0 and looked completely in control. The Nationals finally got on the board in the bottom of the sixth when Matt Strahm took over pitching for Kansas City. CJ Abrams doubled to center, and Curtis Mead raced home to make it 6-1. Dylan Crews singled to right, and Abrams scored to cut it to 6-2. Washington was fighting back now. But Kansas City's lead was too big. The Royals' pitching held strong through the final innings. Luinder Avila had been solid early, striking out five batters while allowing just one run through five and two-thirds innings. The bullpen stayed steady the rest of the way.

The final score was Kansas City 6, Washington 2. The Royals improved their record to 31-45 with this road win. They earned their second straight victory and moved forward in a crucial series. Washington dropped to 39-37 after falling short at home. For the Royals, Carter Jensen went four-for-four with a home run and a stolen base. John Rave and Lane Thomas each contributed homers. Even Michael Massey got in on the power display. The Nationals couldn't mount enough of a comeback. Their young pitching staff couldn't keep up with Kansas City's explosive bats. This win showed that even when the Royals struggle, they have stars who can carry the team. Jensen's perfect night at the plate was something special. Kansas City proved they could compete with anyone when their offense clicked.