Final Score: TEX 6 | KC 0
Overall Record: 42-36
Winning/Losing Pitcher:
- W: Jon Gray (2-3, 3.03 ERA)
- L: Michael Wacha (4-5, 4.07 ERA)
Royals Player of the Game
Michael Wacha
5 IP, 3 H, 1 ER, 1 BB, 5 K
On a day where the offense didn’t get off the bus, Michael Wacha gave them a good outing. Coming back from a foot fracture, Wacha had five strong innings with one pitch he wished he had back. He gave up a solo shot to Josh Smith in the fourth, but outside of that it was a good start. Wacha seemed to be the only player who played to win today and the Royals desperately need something to get going.
Key Highlights
The offense was putrid, end of story. The only players to get hits on the day were Adam Frazier, Nelson Velazquez, and Garrett Hampson. There were no walks, nine strikeouts, and only one RISP for the offense in this match. They need a reset and need it sooner rather than later.
Outside of Wacha, the pitching was solid. Will Smith, Chris Stratton, and Nick Anderson all had shutdown innings. However, Angel Zerpa had his worst outing this season giving up five runs in the eighth. The bullpen was tasked with keeping the Royals in it again and they failed, albeit the offense was awful. Feels like a move or two needs to be made in the bullpen soon.
Summary of the Next Game
The Royals are currently 2-8 on this road trip and probably want to see Kauffman. There is one game left in the Rangers series and the Royals will send out Alec Marsh (5-4, 4.37 ERA) in the finale. The Rangers will be sending out Max Scherzer (0-0, 0.00 ERA) as he just came off the injured list. It doesn’t get much easier for the Royals, but they desperately need something to click.
Photo Credit: AP Photo: Colin E. Braley