Final Score: SEA 9 | KC 10
Overall Record: 38-26
Winning/Losing Pitcher
- W: Nick Anderson (3-1 | 3.86 ERA)
- L: Ryne Stanek (3-1 | 4.56 ERA)
Royals Player of the Game
Bobby Witt Jr.
3-5, 3B, RBI, 2 R
Bobby Witt Jr. cemented in stone Friday night why he was worth the 11-yr, $288 Millon contract he signed in the offseason. And I know we say that all the time, but it was once again a prime example of what the type of player Bobby Witt Jr. can do for a franchise. He has absolutely every skill in the book to be successful, and then some. Aside from the athletic and physical abilities, Bob can bring so much energy to help rejuvenate this young atmosphere. And when you have the best player in baseball on your team, you tend to trust each other more as a team. That’s what Bobby Witt Jr, can do. Friday, he put together a couple hits in the first couple innings, but it was the ninth inning that sealed it. A game tying RBI triple in the 9th to make him the eventual winning run at third with only one out. And to talk about the speed, he was ripping all along the basepaths, recording the 2nd highest home-to-third speed this season in the MLB.
Just in case you needed more convincing, Bobby Witt Jr showed why he is headlining one of the best young teams in all of Major League Baseball.
Key Highlights
First, what an all timer we just witnessed. This game ended up being one of the best Royals moments in the past 6 years. I know that’s not a huge thing, but it is important to notice how great of a milestone moment this is for this franchise. At least, I think it will be moving forward. But let’s look at the very beginning shall we, a very good place to start. This game of course turned on a dime very quickly. With Daniel Lynch IV hitting two batters, walking three, giving up four hits on SEVEN runs in the top of the first. It was truly a nightmare situation for Lynch, who is trying to make Michael Wacha’s spot in the rotation be a seamless transition. It was a problem for Lynch in the first inning but after that he settled in pretty nicely, throwing three more innings of scoreless ball. The Mariners were able to make it 8-0 at one point in the game. Making the lead insurmountable to obtain, or so we thought…The interesting part for the Royals started in the fourth, with MJ Melendez putting an explanation mark at the end of that inning with a three-run bomb to make it 8-4 headed into the fifth. But it wasn’t till the sixth til things got interesting. After a Mitch Garver double to make the score 9-5, the Royals got back to hitting in the bottom half. After walking the bases loaded, the Royals were able to capitalize off of the M’s mistakes. With Melendez getting his fourth RBI of the night with a groundout, and Hunter Renfroe putting on a show. Showcasing his bat abilities, fisting a two-single into centerfield to cut the lead to two. After some lollygagging, we pick things up in the bottom of the ninth. Where a Nick Loftin walk, and a Garrett Hampson infield single, get us to second and third with one out for Bobby Witt Jr. Who laces a triple up the line with his 1/1 speed, electrifying the crowd with each step. The weirdest thing ever happened after that. Intentionally walking Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez. Leaving Nelson Velazquez as the one last survivor to get the win in the ninth. Nelly comes through with an RBI fielder’s choice!!! Effectively reversing this curse and getting the Royals a W in the win column.
One thing I’d add about this team is that they are young, hungry, and incredibly determined. I think if you have those things happening for you, you will be very successful. Now is the time for your craving for success to creep in, so we can start implementing this new culture all over the city.
Summary of the Next Game
Next, we continue this electric series against the Mariners. Luis Castillo heads to the hill for Seattle, who has a 2.99 ERA throughout the season so far. He has been a pain in the Royals’ side in the past, so they will hope to scratch enough across to get to the bullpen or to knock him out. Alec Marsh will take the mound for the Royals, who has a 3.76 ERA this season through ten starts. We’ll see how they fair against each other, hopefully a pitching matchup is upon us, and Alec Marsh can take advantage of some amazing momentum after this classic.
