Royals Extend Lead With Sweep

The Royals entered the All-Star break in relatively unfamiliar territory. With their 8-2 win over the Rangers, Kansas City extended it’s lead in the American League Central to seven games over the Twins. The Royals’ seven-game advantage is their biggest divisional lead since 1980 when they had a 13-game lead. They’re also the first team to ever go into the All-Star break with 50 wins or more after losing 100 games the previous season. The Royals are 51-41. On Sunday, Darrell May won his fourth-straight game with a five-inning performance. May has an ERA of 1.61 in his four-game streak. With plenty of time to rest up over the break, Jeremy Affeldt threw an inning of relief, striking out two. Julius Matos came off the bench and went 3-5 with two RBI’s and a homer. Carlos Beltran and Angel Berroa also drove in two apiece.