Final Score: HOU 2 | KC 11
Overall Record: 8-4
Winning/Losing Pitcher
W: Seth Lugo (2-0 | 1.45 ERA)
L: Spencer Arrighetti (0-1 | 21.00 ERA)
Royals Player(s) of the Game
Vinnie Pasquantino: 3-3, 5 RBI, 2 R, BB
The title “Pasquantino Shines as Royals Win Sixth Straight” probably has more meaning to it than it would appear. The Pasquatch came into last night’s game with just four hits and not a single RBI on the season. He broke out in a big way, nearly doubling his hit total and collecting five RBI to lead the offensive explosion against Arrighetti, who was making his big league debut. He picked up the top of the order, as Maikel Garcia, Bobby Witt Jr, and Salvador Perez combined for just a single hit. Hopefully, this is a sign that things are turning around for Vinnie because that would add another huge element to this exciting offense. Hopefully, I get to title more of these recaps with something similar to “Pasquantino Shines as Royals Win Sixth Straight”.
Seth Lugo: 6 IP, 2 ER, 7 H, 2 K, 2 BB, 1.45 ERA
It wasn’t the prettiest of outings for Lugo, as he dealt with at least one base runner in all six innings he pitched. However, he buckled down when he needed to more often than not. Aside from a rough fourth inning, where he allowed a pair of runs, Lugo was able to hold a good (albeit severely underperforming) Astros offense to just two runs over six innings of work. Through his first three starts, Lugo has gone 18.2 innings and allowed just three runs.
Other Highlights
The bullpen, after being all but disastrous the first handful of games, appears to have found its groove. Angel Zerpa, Jordan Lyles, and Matt Sauer combined to close out the final three innings of the game, allowing just three total base runners. The bullpen group has four pitchers who have yet to allow a run across their 16 combined innings.
Nelson Velazquez and Hunter Renfroe both collected a couple of RBI while combining for three hits and a pair of runs scored. Velazquez continues to impress, raising his batting average up to .343. Renfroe is also starting to figure it out at the plate, having notched a hit in each of his last six games after going without one in his first 15 plate appearances.
Summary of the Next Game
The Royals will go for their second straight sweep on Thursday afternoon when Brady Singer faces off against Hunter Brown. Singer will look to build off of two spectacular outings thus far and help the Royals rattle off their seventh straight win.
(AP Photo/Ed Zurga)