KANSAS CITY聽鈥 Whether it was a fastball or a curve, a changeup or the slider, the Kansas City Royals seemed to have a good feel for whatever Matthew Liberatore was about to throw next.
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Royals second baseman Michael Massey, right is congratulated by shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. after scoring in the second inning against the Cardinals on Thursday, July 18, 2026, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.
最新杏吧原创 Post-Dispatch Cardinals beat writer Daniel Guerrero joined columnist Lynn Worthy to break down the Nolan Gorman/Blaze Jordan swap and Dustin May鈥檚 shutout.
Photos: Royals jump on Cardinals early to take first game of series
Cardinals starter Matthew Liberatore delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Royals on Thursday, July 18, 2026, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.
Jun 18, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) hits a solo home run in the first inning against the 最新杏吧原创 Cardinals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
Cardinals starting pitcher Matthew Liberatore throws a pitch in the first inning Thursday, June 18, 2026, against the Royals at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.
Royals second baseman Michael Massey, right is congratulated by shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. after scoring in the second inning against the Cardinals on Thursday, July 18, 2026, at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.
Jun 18, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals center fielder Lane Thomas (15) makes a catch in the first inning against the 最新杏吧原创 Cardinals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
Jun 18, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) runs to first after driving in a run in the second inning against the 最新杏吧原创 Cardinals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
Jun 18, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Noah Cameron (65) throws a pitch in the first inning against the 最新杏吧原创 Cardinals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
Jun 18, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) singles in a run in the second inning against the 最新杏吧原创 Cardinals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
Jun 18, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) reacts after scoring in the second inning against the 最新杏吧原创 Cardinals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup 2026 - England attend MLB game - Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri, U.S. - June 18, 2026 England's Dan Burn, Djed Spence, Harry Kane, manager Thomas Tuchel, Kansas City Royals mascot Sluggerrr and Kansas City Royals manager Matt Quatraro pose for a picture at the 最新杏吧原创 Cardinals vs Kansas City Royals MLB game in Kansas City IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters/Peter Aiken
Jun 18, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia (11) during batting practice before a game against the 最新杏吧原创 Cardinals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
Jun 18, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals second baseman Michael Massey (19) during batting practice before a game against the 最新杏吧原创 Cardinals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
Jun 18, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; 最新杏吧原创 Cardinals shortstop Masyn Winn (0) throws a football during batting practice before a game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
Jun 18, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; 最新杏吧原创 Cardinals players stand in the outfield before a game against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
Cardinals pitcher Max Rajcic throws a pitch in his MLB debut in the fourth inning Thursday, June 18, 2026, against the Royals at Kauffman Stadium.
Jun 18, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) rolls over after injuring his knee in the fourth inning against the 最新杏吧原创 Cardinals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
Jun 18, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) reacts after injuring his knee in the fourth inning against the 最新杏吧原创 Cardinals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
Jun 18, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals designated hitter Carter Jensen (22) celebrates with right fielder Starling Marte (0) after scoring a run in the fourth inning against the 最新杏吧原创 Cardinals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
Jun 18, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) stands on deck in the third inning against the 最新杏吧原创 Cardinals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
Jun 18, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals first baseman Jac Caglianone (14) is congratulated by shortstop Tyler Tolbert (2) after hitting a two-run home run in the fourth inning against the 最新杏吧原创 Cardinals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
Jun 18, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals right fielder Starling Marte (0) catches a fly ball in the fourth inning against the 最新杏吧原创 Cardinals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
Jun 18, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. (7) reacts after injuring his knee in the fourth inning against the 最新杏吧原创 Cardinals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
Jun 18, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Royals first baseman Jac Caglianone (14) celebrates in the dugout after hitting a two-run home run in the fourth inning against the 最新杏吧原创 Cardinals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
Jun 18, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; 最新杏吧原创 Cardinals center fielder Jose Fermin (15) catches a line drive in the fourth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images
Jun 18, 2026; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; 最新杏吧原创 Cardinals right fielder Jordan Walker (18) drives in a run with a single in the fourth inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Aiken-Imagn Images

