The Kansas City Royals denied the St Louis Cardinals a series sweep, defeating the Redbirds 2-0 Sunday, May 17 at Busch Stadium.

Salvador Perez drove in both runs, sending a sacrifice fly to left field in the first inning that scored Maikel Garcia, then opening the fourth inning with a solo home run. Perez also drew a walk and hit a single to finish the game two-for-two, while Kyle Isbel went two-for-four with a double. The Royals defense held firm, turning a double play in the fifth inning and limiting the Cardinals to one running in scoring position.

Solid performances by both starting pitchers kept the game close. Stephen Kolek allowed four hits in 6.1 innings for his second win of the season, striking out three while conceding one walk. Andre Pallante took the loss despite just one earned run on eight hits and seven strikeouts in 6.2 innings. Cardinals relievers Justin Bruihl and Matt Pushard loaded the bases in the top of the ninth with a single, walk and hit-by-pitch, but Pushard was able to get a strikeout and double-play to prevent a blowout. Lucas Erceg allowed a walk to Nolan Gorman but otherwise completed a scoreless ninth for his 11th save of the season.

The Cardinals (27-19) remain tied for second in the NL Central with Milwaukee, 1.5 games behind the Cubs for the division lead. After an off day, the Cardinals remain at Busch Stadium for a division series against Pittsburgh that starts Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Royals (20-27) sit tied with Detroit for fourth in the AL Central, 5.5 games behind Cleveland. The Royals return to Kauffman Stadium for a series against the Boston Red Sox. Seth Lugo gets the start for KC, while Sonny Gray will take the mound for Boston. Pregame begins at 6 p.m. on KMMO-FM 102.9, with first pitch at 6:40 p.m.