Royals outfielder Kyle Isbel knocks out Green Monster light with ground-rule double

The play looked like it was going to score Matt Duffy from first, but he ended up having to stay put at third because it was ruled a ground-rule double. Kansas City scored a run earlier in the inning on an MJ Melendez home run, but failed to capitalize on Isbel’s odd hit and took a 1-0 lead into the bottom of the second inning.

The Red Sox bounced back, though, with a run the bottom half thanks to a Triston Casas home run to tie things up. After Melendez’s second home run of the game made it a 2-1 Kansas City lead, Boston jumped out in front thanks to three runs in the bottom of the fourth. The Royals got another run in the top of the ninth, but it wasn’t enough as the Red Sox pulled off the 4-3 victory.

Nick Pivetta got the win for Boston as he turned in a solid performance on the mound. He allowed just two runs on four hits while striking out eight across 5.0 innings of work to improve to 8-6 on the year. Kenley Jansen got his 25th save of the season despite allowing the run in the ninth inning.

Jordan Lyles took the loss as he threw all eight innings for Kansas City. He allowed four runs on seven hits and had six strikeouts in the effort.

With the win, the Red Sox improved to 59-55 as they try to get out of last place in the American League East. They entered the day a half game behind the New York Yankees in the standings, and they trailed the Chicago White Sox 4-1 after five innings.

As for Kansas City, the Royals are still behind the White Sox in the AL Central with a 37-79 record this season. They entered the game against the Red Sox with a 7-3 record in their last 10 games.