Photo Credit: Robert Edwards-USA TODAY Sports
Final Score BAL 4 | KCR 9
Overall Record 13-7 (2nd in the AL Central)
Winning/Losing Pitcher
- W: Alec Marsh (1-0, 3.22 ERA)
- L: Dean Kremer (0-2, 4.91 ERA)
Royals Player of the Game
MJ Melendez, 2-for-4, 2 R, HR, 4 RBI
It was easy to pick the MVP in this one. MJ Melendez came up clutch twice to extend the lead for the Royals. While up 1-0 in the 6th, Melendez singled to right field, scoring Bobby Witt, Jr. extending the Royals’ 2-0 and then in the bottom of the 7th after Orioles catcher Adley Rutschman hit a grand slam to bring them back into the game 6-4, Melendez hit a three-run home run ultimately putting an end to this game. It was a huge offensive day for Melendez, who was struggling mightily at the plate in the recent road series.
Key Highlights
Another significant highlight was the return of Michael Massey, who made an immediate impact on both sides of the ball. At the plate, he went 2-for-4 with a double, run scored, and two RBI. His performance contributed to the team’s victory and instilled hope for future games. The Royals had been running a platoon of Adam Frazier and Nick Loftin, so it was great to see Masset back, a guy who can likely hold down second every day. Vinnie Pasquantino stayed hot at the plate, hitting a huge home run in the bottom of the fourth off starter Dean Kremer who had been perfect up to that point. It broke open the offense for the Royals.
On the pitching side, Alec Marsh pulled together another gem against the Baltimore Orioles. He went 5.2 innings, giving up three hits, two walks, and no runs while striking out six. His fastball was working strong in this one. He was coming right at guys with it and putting them away. Marsh has been everything you can ask for from a number five starter, and he looks like he’s solidified himself in the role for the time being.
The biggest cause for concern in this game is another blow-up Will Smith appearance. Manager Matt Quatraro brought Smith into the game in the sixth inning with a 6-0 lead. Smith went on to load the bases. At first, it seemed like he might get out of it, getting the next two guys out, but then Adley Rutschman came to the plate and hit a grand slam. Smith was the big bullpen sign of the offseason, and he now sports a 14.14 ERA in eight appearances as he’s given up eleven runs in eight innings. It’s come to a point that if Quatraro can’t trust him in a mop-up situation with a six-run lead, when can he trust him? Outside of Smith, the rest of the bullpen was lights out and helped ensure the game-one victory for the Royals.
Summary of the Next Game
The Royals will look to take the series in a marquee matchup between ace Cole Ragans and Orioles ace Corbin Burnes at 6:10 CT. It will be a must-watch television with these two going at it. The offense hopes they can carry over some of the momentum from this last again against a tough opponent in Burnes.
