Image Credit: AP Photo / Reed Hoffmann
Final Score: BOS 4 | KC 8
Overall Record: 64-52
Winning/Losing Pitcher
W: Cole Ragans (9-7 | 3.27 ERA)
L: Kutter Crawford (7-9 | 4.11 ERA)
Royals Players of the Game
Bobby Witt Jr: 3-4, 2 HR, 4 RBI, 3 R
I’m sure it’s getting old to read about how good Bobby Witt Jr is (or, maybe not). It’s just too hard to ignore at this point. Witt blasted a pair of solo homeruns and a two-run double to lead the Royals offense once again. His batting average is up to .349, which is now 17 points higher than the next best hitter in the league. He also moved into the top 20 in homeruns, while also being top four in doubles, triples, and RBI. There isn’t much he can’t do on the field, and he is trying to will the Royals to a spot in the postseason.
Cole Ragans: 6.1 IP, 1 ER, 7 K, 2 BB
Ragans has bounced back after a couple worse than normal appearances at the end of July. His one earned run in 6.1 innings was more than enough for the offense to pull away from the Red Sox and avoid the sweep. He collected his 16th quality start of the season and appears to be back to normal after a slight hiccup to end last month.
Other Highlights
The bullpen continues to be a complete roller coaster this season, but man is it a fun ride when they’re on their game. Lucas Erceg and Will Smith closed out the game, not allowing a single baserunner over the final 2.2 innings. Erceg now has four scoreless appearances since joining the Royals, while Smith has allowed just three runs since the beginning of June. It appears as if a late-season shorted bullpen may be coming into view with Erceg, Smith, Kris Bubic, Chris Stratton, and James McArthur. Other options (Angel Zerpa, John Schreiber, and Hunter Harvey) have shown flashes and will likely be used if needed when the playoff push really starts to ramp up.
Summary of the Next Game
The Royals have a day off before taking on their in-state rival Cardinals. Michael Lorenzen will make his second start as a Royal and look to build off his 5.2 inning, one earned run outing on Saturday. He will face off against Miles Mikolas, who has given up four or more runs in four of his last eight starts.