dailyloe.com – The Kansas City Royals defeated the Atlanta Braves 4-1 at Truist Park on Sunday, March 29, 2026, avoiding a season-opening series sweep.
Seth Lugo led the Royals with a dominant pitching performance over six and one-third innings. He allowed zero runs on five hits while striking out three batters.
Rookie catcher Carter Jensen provided key offense with a solo home run in the fourth inning. He later added a sacrifice fly in the eighth, finishing with two runs batted in.
Bobby Witt Jr. and Vinnie Pasquantino also contributed RBI singles for the Royals. Witt collected five total hits during the three-game series in Atlanta.
Lugo survived several hard-hit balls, including three deep flyouts with exit velocities over 105 mph. These powerful hits from Ronald Acuña Jr. and others were caught at the outfield wall.
The Braves’ only run came from a Drake Baldwin solo home run in the eighth inning. Lucas Erceg then secured the win with a scoreless ninth inning for the save.
Royals closer Carlos Estévez was unavailable after being hit in the ankle during Saturday’s game. X-rays were negative, but he was in a walking boot on Sunday.
Braves starter Grant Holmes took the loss, allowing three runs over five innings. Rookie reliever Didier Fuentes, aged 20, gave up one run in four innings of relief.
The Royals now look ahead to their home opener against the Minnesota Twins on Monday. Left-hander Kris Bubic is scheduled to start for Kansas City at Kauffman Stadium.
The Braves will continue their homestand against the Oakland Athletics. Right-hander Bryce Elder is set to take the mound for Atlanta in the next game.[]
Source: ESPN
