Michael Wacha deals against former team as Royals win series-opener vs. Rays
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- Michael Wacha allowed one run over seven innings as the Royals won 2-1.
- Michael Wacha earned his fifth win and recorded his 11th quality start of the season.
- Alex Lange recorded his sixth save after the Royals preserved the 2-1 lead.
The Kansas City Royals hit the road looking for a better showing — and to break a trend.
This season, the club had dropped 24 of its 37 games away from Kauffman Stadium.
On Monday, the Royals began a seven-game road trip in St. Petersburg, Florida, against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. It was the club’s first time back inside the venue since 2024.
It was also a special return for Royals starter Michael Wacha. The Royals veteran spent 2021 with the Rays organization and made 23 starts.
And Wacha looked right at home. He allowed one run across seven innings as the Royals earned a 2-1 victory.
Wacha earned his fifth win as the Royals improved to 33-46.
“I thought the command of a lot of pitches was really good,” Wacha said. “You know, really tough lineup over there that you’ve got to make pitches to. And for the most part, we did that tonight.”
Wacha displayed two different fastballs. He also mixed in a sinker alongside his usual changeup and curveball. The pitch selection was strategic as the Rays stacked their lineup with six right-handed hitters.
The Rays’ (43-32) lineup created opportunities for Wacha to feature his sinker and cutter exclusively to the right-handers. The approach led to 10 groundouts — including a key double play in the first inning.
“I felt like we were able to keep them off balance,” Wacha said. “We were able to get some weak contact with those pitches and let the defense play behind. They were playing some great defense back there, and turning hits into outs, which is fun to see.”
And when he needed it, Wacha reached back with his four-seam fastball. In the seventh inning, Wacha used the heater to avoid potential trouble. Wacha struck out Rays catcher Nick Fortes with a 94.4 mph fastball.
Later, he got Rays second baseman Richie Palacios to pop out in foul territory. Palacios was the final batter Wacha faced as he stranded a runner at second base.
“He gave us an outstanding chance to win,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.
Wacha recorded his 11th quality start of the season. He has pitched at least six innings in seven of his 10 previous starts against the Rays.
The Royals’ offense provided Wacha with enough run support. In the second inning, KC outfielder Lane Thomas hit an RBI double down the left-field line. Later, Carter Jensen extended his hitting streak to 13 games with an RBI single.
Jensen owns a .365 batting average since June 6. This season, the KCMO native ranks among the top American League rookies in extra-base hits (26), RBIs (40) and hits (59).
“Try not to do too much at the end of the day,” Jensen said. “You know, this is a hard game and you take your hits when you can get them.”
Both Royals runs came off Rays starter Drew Rasmussen. He allowed four hits and struck out five batters in six innings.
In the eighth inning, the Royals turned to their bullpen. Royals reliever John Schreiber struck out two batters but allowed a two-out walk to Rays third baseman Jonathan Aranda.
Tampa Bay would insert pinch-runner Victor Mesa Jr. at first base. However, Jensen would throw out Mesa attempting to steal second.
Mesa ran on first movement, but Jensen corralled a 95 mph sinker and made an accurate throw to Royals second baseman Michael Massey covering the bag.
As Schreiber walked off the field, he celebrated with Jensen.
“I work really hard, having guys on first, being quick to the plate,” Schreiber said. “And trusting Carter to make a great throw. He’s got a great arm and he’s able to execute.”
The Royals preserved their 2-1 lead. And from there, Alex Lange recorded his sixth save with a scoreless frame.
“It’s huge,” Jensen said of the victory. “Take the momentum, the series win this past weekend and carry it into this road trip. I think it’s huge. ... We’re just gonna keep that ball rolling and keep the momentum going.”
What’s next: Royals right-hander Luinder Avila (2-3, 5.50 ERA) will start on Tuesday night opposite Rays lefty Shane McClanahan (6-4, 3.33 ERA) at Tropicana Field. First pitch is set for 5:40 p.m. Central Time.
This story was originally published June 22, 2026 at 8:03 PM with the headline "Michael Wacha deals against former team as Royals win series-opener vs. Rays."
