Royals Avoid Sweep Behind Seth Lugo's Strong Start Over Braves

Kansas City salvages a win in the three-game series against Atlanta.

Mar. 30, 2026 at 1:49am

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Seth Lugo pitched 6 1/3 scoreless innings and Bobby Witt Jr. had a hit, run, and RBI to help the Kansas City Royals defeat the Atlanta Braves 4-1 on Sunday and avoid a series sweep.

Why it matters

The win helps the Royals bounce back after losing the first two games of the series against the defending World Series champion Braves, showing they can compete with one of the top teams in the National League.

The details

Lugo (1-0) allowed five hits, did not walk a batter, and struck out three to earn the win. Witt was 1-for-3 with a walk, run scored, and an RBI. The Royals scored runs in the third, fourth, and fifth innings to build a 3-0 lead before adding an insurance run in the eighth. The Braves' Drake Baldwin hit a solo home run in the eighth to break up the shutout.

  • The game was played on Sunday, March 30, 2026.

The players

Seth Lugo

The Kansas City Royals starting pitcher who threw 6 1/3 scoreless innings to earn the win.

Bobby Witt Jr.

The Royals' young star who had a hit, run, and RBI to help lead the team to victory.

Grant Holmes

The losing pitcher for the Atlanta Braves, who allowed three runs over five innings.

Drake Baldwin

The Braves' rookie who hit a solo home run in the eighth inning to break up the Royals' shutout.

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What they’re saying

“This was a big win for us to avoid the sweep. Seth Lugo set the tone early and our offense was able to capitalize on some opportunities.”

— Bobby Witt Jr., Royals Infielder

The takeaway

The Royals showed they can compete with one of the top teams in the National League, bouncing back from two losses to take the series finale against the defending World Series champion Braves.