Aug 07, 2022

Pratto's homer gives KC win Saturday

Posted Aug 07, 2022 12:03 PM

KANSAS CITY (AP) — Rookie Nick Pratto hit a game-ending home run in the ninth inning, giving the Kansas City Royals a 5-4 win over the Boston Red Sox on Saturday night.

Pratto blasted a two-out, 3-2 changeup from Garrett Whitlock (2-2) an estimated 424 feet to center field for his second career homer and first at Kauffman Stadium.

Whitlock, who had retired all eight batters he faced before Pratto, was less measured in his assessment of the walk-off homer.

The Royals began and ended the game with homers for the second time in team history — the first was on July 3, 1973. MJ Melendez hit his second leadoff homer of the series, a 434-foot drive to right field for his 12th longball this season.

Kyle Isbel also homered for Kansas City.