The Kansas City Royals picked up four early runs, but needed a sixth-inning rally to keep ahead of the Atlanta Braves, eventually posting a 9-6 win Tuesday, July 29 at Kauffman Stadium.

The Royals welcomed former Cardinals starter Erich Fedde to the Braves rotation by way of a Vinnie Pasquantino solo home run in the first inning, then RBIs in the second off the bats of Jonathan India and Bobby Witt Jr. The Royals maintained a lead throughout the game, but were put to the test in the sixth, when starter Seth Lugo gave up a solo home run to Austin Riley and a two-run blast to Marcell Ozuna.

That’s the closest Atlanta would get, as the Royals would tag Atlanta relievers for five runs in the bottom of the sixth. Kyle Isbel cleared the bases with a double to make the score 7-3, then came home when Witt claimed an RBI single. Witt would score on a ground-rule double from Pasquantino. Atlanta would then chisel at the Royals lead with RBI singles from Ozuna in the seventh, followed by Matt Olson and Eli White in the eighth.

Lugo got the win for his 5.2 innings, allowing three runs on seven hits and four walks, while striking out five. Carlos Estévez secured his 28th save of the year. The change of scenery did little for Fedde, who was tagged with his 11th loss of the season, allowing four runs on five hits and two walks while punching out three in 4.2 innings.

Both the Tigers and Guardians won yesterday, keeping the Royals (53-55) 9.5 games behind Detroit for the AL Central lead, and four games behind Seattle for the third wild card spot. Recent injuries to the rotation has the Royals planning to send Angel Zerpa to the bump for the start Wednesday afternoon. First pitch is at 1:10 p.m., with pregame at 12:30 on KMMO AM 1300.