Final Score: OAK 2 | KC 6
Overall Record: 27-19
Winning/Losing Pitcher
- W: Cole Ragans (3-3 | 3.70 ERA)
- L: Mitch Spence (3-2 | 3.90 ERA)
Royals Player of the Game
Salvador Perez
3-3, 2B, BB, RBI, R
It was an emotional night in Kansas City as they celebrated the ten year anniversary of that legendary 2014 American League Championship team. The lone survivor, a decade later, is the one and only Salvador Perez. Who showed up with all his former teammates in the stands. He delivered a three hit performance that keeps all fans on the edge of their seats. Additionally, Salvy had a walk tonight, and is walking at a crazy rate. In 2024 he has 14 walks through May 17th, he had 19 walks all season in 2023. If he keeps this up, he will continue to hit better, the power will continue to come, and we could be talking about the special 2024 season from Salvador Perez in ten years. Maybe some hardware will be headed his way.
Bonus PotG
Cole Ragans
7.0 IP, 2 H, 0 ER, 7 K’s
It would be ridiculous to not include Cole Ragans in the mix for the player of the game, even though it was kind of Salvy’s night. Cole was absolutely dominant only giving up a couple of hits through seven strong scoreless innings. This was essential for him to get back on track, especially after the mess he made in Anaheim. But, he was able to persevere and absolutely destroy the A’s lineup that has been on a bit of a rough spot lately. You can’t control who’s put in front of you though, and Ragans was ready for the challenge to face them. And Ragans did what he’s supposed to do, take advantage of weaker lineups you come across. It also looks a bit lopsided in the box score, but Cole was pitching with a one-run lead for this entire game except for the top of the seventh. All in all, he was tremendous in front of a 2014 squad that might not have had an arm that looked like his in their rotation.
Key Highlights
We discussed how important Salvador Perez and Cole Ragans are to this team, and what they did on Friday to get the victory, but let’s talk about this ceremony first. Seeing the introduction of all the former players, coaches, front office individuals, etc. made me overwhelmed with emotion, and I watched it on TV. I could even imagine what it would be like to see it in person. All that aside, it was remarkable to celebrate a team that truly rejuvenated a city that needed them. The Royals were so bad for so long, that no one expected them to be that good that fast. And looking back on it, I’m surprised that that team only stayed good for a short amount of time. It seemed like they were in such control of every aspect of the game when they were on. Back to 2024 though. Where we’ll pick it up in the bottom of the first when Bobby Witt Jr. hit a blistering double behind first time outfielder Abraham Toro. Was able to get to third on a wild pitch, and subsequently scored on a, you guessed it, Salvador Perez infield single. Everything stayed pretty quiet in the middle, with Ragans and Spence going at it. That all changed in the bottom of the sixth when a leadoff walk from Salvador Perez, set up Michael Massey. Who uses his pretty follow through to put it over the wall and into the Royals bullpen. But they weren’t done yet. Hunter Renfroe has a single, MJ Melendez walks, and now we have Maikel Garcia coming up. Who blasts it into the midwestern air, and it lands right in front of the fountains, to a lucky fan making the lead 6-0.
Another intriguing part of this game is the potential of Maikel Garcia from here on out. It looks like he might have found something in his swing in order to get the ball sooner. I would expect him to break out a bit more in the coming future. Throw in a Chris Stratton scoreless inning, a Matt Sauer home run allowed, and we have a Royals victory that ends in a 6-2 final. The crowd was electric, the vibes were right, and it felt like winning baseball in Kansas City again.
Summary of the Next Game
The American League front runner for Cy Young, Seth Lugo, and Paul Blackburn will match up on Saturday at The K. Blackburn has had some issues this season, tending to give up some big innings in the process. Good for KC, who have found themselves scoring in bunches all season long. As for Lugo, he’ll continue to try to stifel all the bats who come in his way. Hell, you even look at him the wrong way, and he will destroy you this year. Seth Lugo has been the terminator on the mound all season. No way anyone can have more that 3500 RPMs on a curveball, the guy is crazy. Anyway, the Royals continue their series against Oakland with their three best starters pitching in the series. Hopefully the Royals can continue to take advantage against some lesser lineups since they have the fourth best rotation in all of baseball.
