(PHOTO CREDIT: SYDNEY SCHNEIDER/ YETI IMAGES)

The Kansas City Royals secured their first sweep of the 2026 season in dramatic fashion… and it was all thanks to a former St. Louis Cardinal.

Lane Thomas played the hero for the Royals, with the walk-off three run dinger, capping off a game in which they overcame a 6-0 deficit early on.

He also recorded his first multi-hit game of the 2026 season, going 3-for-6 with two runs scored and three RBI against the Angels. His singles in the sixth and seventh innings gave him 500 career hits, making him the 151st active player to reach that mark.

Thomas entered Sunday’s game batting leadoff, much to the ire of many Royals fans. He also carried a pitiful line into the day, hitting .216 with no home runs, two RBI, two steals, and a .590 OPS through 51 at-bats. It’s his hot history against left-handed pitching that appealed him to the Royals, and his Sunday performance was a welcomed sight to see.

When the Royals signed him, he owned a career .292/.359/.500 slash line against left-handed pitchers.