Final Score: OAK 4 | KC 5
Overall Spring Record: 6-3
KEY HIGHLIGHTS
Cole Ragans is filthy yet again: Anyone shocked at this point? Cole Ragans was dialed in, going three innings, giving up one hit, no runs, and walking one while striking out seven. Anne Rogers of MLB.com even reported that he was clocked in at 100 mph and threw eight straight pitches for strikes in the third inning. It’s great to see Ragans off to a hot start this spring and picking up right where he left off in 2023.
Salvador Perez goes yard: Capitan my capitan! Salvador Perez hit a two-run home run in the first inning off Athletics left-hander Alex Wood. The 33-year-old has been off to a slow start in his 15th spring training of his career, but there is still plenty of time left for him to heat up. Salvy has been the lifeblood of this Royals team for years and will be looking to get back to his 2021 production-type numbers. Hopefully, some new pieces around him this year will help lead to that.
Bobby Witt, Jr. has himself a day: We have the first BWJ home run of the spring, and man is it nice! He paired that home run with a single. After signing his massive offseason extension, BWJ will be the heart and soul of this Royals team. The young shortstop just keeps getting better each year and 2024 should be much of the same.
Hunter Renfroe makes his Royals debut: Renfore finally saw his first spring action yesterday. He had a slower start than the rest as he has been dealing with some lower back tightness. Renfore got three at bats as the designated hitter and went 0-for-2 with a walk. It seems like a minor issue, and Renfroe feels much better now. Expect to see him in the lineup more frequently from here on out this spring.
OTHER NOTES
Kyle Isbel: 1-for-3, 2B
Nick Loftin: 1-for-2, SB
Angel Zerpa: 2IP, 2 H, 0R, 0K, 0BB
John Schreiber: 1 IP, 2 H, 0 R
SUMMARY OF THE NEXT GAME
The Royals take on division rivals the Cleveland Guardians in a full squad matchup today at 3:05 EST. Seth Lugo will take the bump for the Royals for his second spring start as he faces off against former Cy Young award winner Shane Bieber.
