Isbel and Pasquantino Lead Royals to 9-6 Victory Over Braves
The Kansas City Royals secured a 9-6 victory against the Atlanta Braves on August 29, 2023, propelled by a standout performance from Kyle Isbel and a home run by Vinnie Pasquantino. The game took a pivotal turn when Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. exited due to tightness in his right Achilles tendon, impacting Atlanta’s momentum.
Seth Lugo, making his first start since signing a two-year contract worth $46 million for the 2026 and 2027 seasons, improved his record to 8-5. Pasquantino contributed significantly with three hits and two runs batted in (RBIs), while Bobby Witt Jr. also recorded two RBIs. Jonathan India provided a critical two-run double that added to the Royals’ lead.
Marcell Ozuna shone for the Braves, hitting a home run and driving in three runs. Austin Riley also contributed with a home run, but right-hander Erick Fedde, making his Braves debut, struggled early, allowing four runs within the first two innings. Michael Harris II stood out with three hits, but the Braves were unable to capitalize on their scoring opportunities.
A significant moment occurred in the sixth inning when Acuña left the game after a chase for a fly ball in right field. Pasquantino’s solo home run in the first inning set the tone, but it was Isbel’s bases-clearing double in the sixth that extended the Royals’ lead to 7-3. Following Isbel’s hit, Witt added a run-scoring single and Pasquantino delivered an RBI double, pushing the score to 9-3.
Lugo initially took a shutout into the sixth inning but was charged with three runs and seven hits before being relieved. He struck out five batters and walked four during his outing. Carlos Estévez, who was the fifth reliever for the Royals, earned his 28th save by securing three outs in the final innings.
A key moment for the Royals came with the bases loaded and two outs in the sixth, where Hunter Harvey retired Jurickson Profar on a fly ball, preserving a 4-3 lead just before Kansas City erupted for five runs in the bottom half of the inning.
The Royals have shown offensive strength, scoring at least five runs in seven of their last eleven games, a feat they achieved only 21 times before the All-Star break.
Looking ahead, the Braves are set to start left-handed pitcher Joey Wentz, who holds a record of 2-2 with a 5.76 ERA, in their next game. The Royals have yet to announce their scheduled starter for the matchup.
