Final Score: MIA 2 | KC 1

Overall Record: 43-38

Winning/Losing Pitcher:

• W: A.J. Puk (2-8, 5.85 ERA)
• L: Carlos Hernandez (0-1, 2.57 ERA)
• S: Tanner Scott (10)

Royals Player of the Game

Seth Lugo

6 IP, 2 H, 0 R, 8 K, 2 BB

Seth Lugo deserved to win this game based on his performance alone. He shoved against the lowly Marlins, but no one else wanted to assist him offensively or in the bullpen. While he did great, many will question to decision to take him out of the game after the sixth. However, people have to remember he is on pace to smash his career high in innings pitched and he is a 34 year old arm. Either way he wasn’t the issue in this game.

Key Highlights

The offense has not gotten out of their slump in the slightest. They only got four hits and three walks on the night. Outside of that there were some bad mistakes that cost the Royals a run or two in the game. In good news, Maikel Garcia walked twice and looked like a leadoff man. The 2-through-4 hitters all had hits, but also struck out four times combined. Michael Massey also had a hit, but got K’d two times.

The pitching was great on the night, outside of one inning. Carlos Hernandez came in to the game to relieve Lugo and gave up two runs to the Marlins. Afterwards, Will Smith came in and had a clean outing minus the error he had that lead to the second run being scored. Nick Anderson pitched an inning and a third and only gave up a hit in his outing.

Summary of the Next Game

The Royals desperately need some wins and this loss to the Marlins stings, so they will want to win the rubber match. The Royals will send out Brady Singer (4-4, 3.29 ERA) to continue the strong pitching stretch. The Marlins are projected to send out Valente Bellozo (0-0) to make his first start of the year.

Photo Credit: Chris Young, AP Photos