Final Score: KC 1 | CHW 2
Overall Record: 12-7
Winning/Losing Pitcher
W: Erick Fedde (1-0 | 3.10 ERA)
L: Michael Wacha (1-2 | 3.75 ERA)
Royals Player(s) of the Game
Michael Wacha: 6.0 IP, 2 ER, 4 H, 4 K, 2 BB
The Royals got yet another great outing from their starting pitcher, as Wacha gave them six innings of two-run ball. Unfortunately, it was a rough day on the offensive side of the ball. After a pair of late homeruns saved them in the first game of the doubleheader, the magic ran out in the second contest and the Royals were unable to finish off the sweep. The team finished with just six hits and managed just a single run in the series finale.
Wacha was one of few bright spots in the second game, as he moved his ERA down to 3.75. The crazy part is, that is the 2nd highest ERA among the five starting pitchers and is almost two whole points higher than the third highest (Ragans has the third highest starting ERA at 1.95). The offense is sputtering right now with Maikel Garcia and MJ Melendez both going through long hitless streaks, but the pitching from both the starters and the bullpen are giving them a chance to win in just about every game they play.
Other Highlights
Nick Loftin could see his playing time squeezed soon with the imminent return of Michael Massey, but he has looked good in the time he has gotten. He collected a pair of hits in this one, which raised his average to .276 on the season. When Massey comes back, it could be tough to keep Loftin off the field, whether it be at second our one of his secondary positions.
The bullpen continues to look good after a dreadful start to the season. This is the third straight game that the opposing team has gone scoreless against the Royals relievers. Three relievers have a spotless ERA on the season (through 20 combined innings) and two others have sub-4.00 marks. If the all-around pitching is as good as it has been for an entire season, the Royals will likely be in their first postseason since winning the World Series in 2015.
Summary of the Next Game
The Royals have tomorrow off before returning home for their second series against the Baltimore Orioles. Alec Marsh is set to face off against Dean Kremer, as Kansas City looks for a bit of payback after dropping two of three games back at the beginning of April.
(AP Photo/Colin E. Braley)