Behind a combined seven perfect innings tossed by Josh Staumont and Mike Mayers, the Kansas City Royals won a Memorial Day interleague matchup with the cross-state rival St. Louis Cardinals, claiming a 7-0 victory.
In a game that the Royals planned to use as a “bullpen contest”, Staumont made the first start of his big-league career, pitching the first inning and retiring the Cardinals 1-2-3, including a pair of strikeouts. Mayers, a former Cardinal, took over in the second inning and retired 18 consecutive batters before third baseman Nolan Arenado lined a leadoff single in the bottom of the 8th inning. Taylor Clarke wiggled out of a two-on, two out jam to keep the shutout intact, with Amir Garrett pitching a scoreless ninth.
In a game that saw the Royals flirt with the first-combined perfect game in MLB history, Nicky Lopez paced the Kansas City offense with a career high-tying four hits, with Nick Pratto and Vinnie Pasquantino each contributing three base knocks. Mick Massey had a two-run homer with Bobby Witt Jr. adding a solo blast.
Adam Wainwright took the loss for St. Louis, allowing three runs and nine hits over five innings of work.
The Royals and Cardinals finish their two-game series on Tuesday night with a 6:40 first pitch from Busch Stadium.
