Image credit: AP Photo / Kayla Wolf
Today, the Royals took on the Brewers in Milwaukee, with Kris Bubic taking the mound for the first time this season. Today’s start was a big one for Kris Bubic, who is looking to transition to the rotation after returning from the bullpen last season.
Bubic had a great first outing, with his fastball looking better than I have ever seen it in a start. He also could effectively use the rest of his pitch mix, with his slider and sweeper looking great and forcing a lot of swing and miss. Bubic got the Royals their first quality start of the year, as well as posting eight strikeouts without allowing a run. Before the season, I mentioned that Bubic could very well be the third best pitcher in Kansas City this season, and he is showing exactly why I had such high expectations coming into the year.
The Royals’ bats were also alive, getting off to a great start with four runs in the first two innings. The first inning had the Royals getting off to a hot start, with Michael Massey driving in Jonathan India on a ground rule double and then Renfroe driving in Witt and Massey to give them a 3-0 lead. Bubic then proceeded to strikeout the side, and then a Garcia HR in the top of the second put the Royals up 4-0.
The game quieted down after the top of the second, with Bubic holding down the Brewers’ offense and the Royals’ bats cooling off.
All until the top of the 6th… When a Salvador Perez home run set fire to the Royals offense, they went on to put up six runs on Elvis Peguero and Grant Anderson. This all but put a lid on the game and gave the Royals the chance to give some guys a chance to bounce back and build their confidence.
Angel Zerpa continued to struggle, giving up two hits and a run, as well as having a line drive go off his ankle, causing some discomfort. Daniel Lynch IV also came in and was knocked around a bit but managed to escape with a clean sheet over two innings.
The Royals were able to add one more run in the ninth to put them up 11-1, and they held on to that lead the rest of the game to win the first game of the series.
Winners
Kris Bubic: 6.0 IP, 0 ER, 8 Ks
Maikel Garcia: 2 AB, 1 H, 2 BB, 2 Runs scored, 1 HR – Played well in Center field for the first time this season
Salvador Perez: Hit first HR of the season
The Royals’ offense: Scored more runs today than they scored in the last three combined
Losers
Angel Zerpa: 1.0 IP, 2 H, 1 ER
MJ Melendez: had another big opportunity but couldn’t make anything happen with the bases loaded. He did get his first hit and hopefully can start to build some confidence as the season goes on.
Discover more from Farm to Fountains
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
