The Kansas City Royals defeated the Boston Red Sox 6-1 on Friday, July 12.

The Royals took an early lead with a run in the first and three more in the second. Kansas City added a run in the fourth and another in the eighth to give the bullpen plenty of insurance.

Cole Ragans went seven innings, giving up only one run on four hits. He struck out seven and picked up his sixth win of the season.

Bobby Witt Jr. and MJ Melendez both homered for Kansas City Salvador Perez drove in a pair of runs with a sac fly and an RBI single.

The win moves the Royals to 52-43 on the season. Kansas City is now tied with the Red Sox for the third wild card spot in the American League.

UP NEXT

The Royals will go for the series win in Boston today. Pregame begins at 2:30, with first pitch at 3:10 p.m. on KMMO AM 1300.