Final Score: DET 6 | KC 5

Overall Record: 62-50

Winning/Losing Pitcher:

• W: Jason Foley (3-3, 3.89 ERA)
• L: James McArthur (4-5, 5.32 ERA)

Royals Player of the Game

Michael Lorenzen

5.2 IP, 5 H, 1 R, 5 K, 2 BB

In his first start with the Royals, Michael Lorenzen came to play. He looked great for most of the game and worked his way out of some jams when they happened. Lorenzen gave up his only run in the bottom of the sixth that sent him packing. With his role in question coming from the Rangers, Lorenzen made a point to stay as the fifth guy in the rotation. Hopefully, he can keep up this sort of performance in his future outings.

Key Highlights

For the most part, the offense was good. They had nine hits and five runs scored, but in extras, they just couldn’t get a second run to give the team a cushion. Vinnie Pasquantino continues his hot stretch with another home run and two-hit day, making it four multi-hit games in the past six. Paul DeJong has been an excellent buy-low trade acquisition so far, going 2-for-5 with a home run and two RBIs. This game isn’t on the offense however.

It’s on the pitching. Once Lorenzen left the game the pen came on strong. The Royals got 1.1 IP from the “Long Man” (per our own Michael Farina) then Lucas Erceg had another shutdown inning. Then everything changed when Hunter Harvey came into the game. He started his outing giving up a leadoff solo shot to Bligh Madris and a double to Zach McKinstry. Two batters later and Javy Baez doubles to tie the game, but Harvey would work his way to get to extras. In extras, Kris Bubic gave up the “ghost runner” but was good. Then James McArthur came in and like Harvey gave up a run to the first batter faced. He would then get walked off by Wenceel Perez. It is time for McArthur to figure out his stuff in AAA.

Summary of the Next Game

The Royals look for a series win against a division foe and will send out Michael Wacha, (8-6, 3.58 ERA) who looks to continue his strong stretch of starts since his injury. The Tigers will be sending out Alex Faedo (5-3, 3.81 ERA) for a potential bullpen game for them. The Royals still hold a 2.5 game lead over the Red Sox in the Wild Card standing currently and a series win would go a long way to keeping that lead.