The Royals secured a 5-2 victory over the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday night in Kansas City, bringing an end to a three-game series between the sides. The result came after each team had traded wins in the previous two encounters, making this final match decisive for the series outcome.
We had backed the home side to prevail, and with 75 per cent confidence at that. The prediction held up as the Royals managed to string together enough runs to put themselves beyond reach, despite Arizona keeping things competitive for large stretches of the game.
The visitors had come into this contest with momentum, having won their previous two meetings 5-3 and 5-4 respectively. They showed they could still generate offence, but the Royals' pitching held firm when it mattered most. There is no value left at that number when you cannot close out the game.
Kansas City's recent form had been mixed, with losses against both the Diamondbacks and Blue Jays in their last five outings. But on this occasion they found their rhythm, converting opportunities into runs. The support of the fans could be called devoted, but that is an assessment, not a fact. The fact is that the club sat 12th in the American League Central heading into the match.
Arizona meanwhile carried their winning streak from the earlier games, having also picked up victories against the Astros on Monday. They had won four of their last five before this defeat, but the run ended here. The Diamondbacks sit third in the National League West, three points behind the division leader.
The 5-2 scoreline reflected a game where the Royals took control after the middle innings. They should have too much for them in these situations, and tonight they proved it. The series win gives Kansas City a psychological edge as they head toward the final weeks of the regular season.