Final Score: CLE 7 | KC 2
Overall Record: 46-39
Winning/Losing Pitcher:
- W: Tanner Bibee (7-2, 3.47 ERA)
- L: Cole Ragans (5-6, 3.33 ERA)
Royals Player of the Game
Michael Massey
2-for-3, 1 HR, 1 RBI
The offense quieted down after an offensive explosion last night. Michael Massey did not quiet down in this game. He had a solo shot in the bottom of the second inning and a single later in the game. Massey has had a relatively quiet return going 2-for-11, but this game could start some solid production. He is still on the mend as he hasn’t played in the field yet, but if the bat is there the Royals will need it for the season.
Key Highlights
As noted, the offense was quiet today. Massey and Vinnie Pasquantino had similar days with 2-hits and a solo shot each. Outside of them, however, there were two other hits on the day from Kyle Isbel and Hunter Renfroe. Tanner Bibee and the Guardians bullpen silenced the offense striking out 10 Royals and giving up no walks.
The pitching wasn’t the greatest, but the questionable call on Jhonkensy Noel’s 2-run shot didn’t help things. Even with that home run, Cole Ragans wasn’t at his sharpest today. He had the six strikeouts, but he wasn’t efficient with his pitches to go deep into the game if needed. Angel Zerpa and Will Smith came in and gave up a run each, while Nick Anderson and Carlos Hernandez had clean innings.
Summary of the Next Game
The Royals look to win this four game set against the AL Central leaders tomorrow. In what could be one of the bigger games of the season the Royals will send out Seth Lugo (10-2, 2.29 ERA) to face Logan Allen (8-3, 5.72 ERA) in the finale.
Photo credit: (AP Photo: Colin E. Braley)