Royals Win Back-to-Back for the First Time in 2025 as Pitching Shines

Record: 5-5

Winning/Losing Pitcher:

W: Michael Lorenzen (1-1 | 3.18 ERA)

L: Simeon Woods Richardson (0-1 | 5.59 ERA)

S: Carlos Estévez (3 | 1.80 ERA) 

Key Highlights

This one has to be highlighted by Michael Lorenzen who was nasty all night long. Mixing his pitches, the rotation, execution were all on display tonight. There was one specific at bat to Byron Buxton where he just completely puzzled him, in a 3-2 count just floated a sweeper across the zone. It was a strike the entire time until the very end, where it barely misses Buxton’s bat. It seems simple, of course you want your pitches to do that. But it’s much harder to execute to perfection like Lorenzen did. He is the epitome of a veteran cornerstone in the rotation. Whenever he has to be a 2-3 starter, he doesn’t necessarily fit that mold, but when he has no pressure in a 4-5 rotation spot, he thrives like no other. It does have a lot to do with, these batters probably aren’t expecting this kind of stuff out of a five starter in the MLB. But this guy can do that for you. I can’t wait to see how he continues to progress throughout the season. He ended up going six innings in this one and only allowed a run. If we can see him continue this stretch this year, this rotation has some potential to be as good, if not better, than last year. 

The offense got started early with Jonathan India doubling to lead off the ballgame. Vinnie Pasquantino has a double of his own on an odd play. But nonetheless, gets the run home, and Vinnie continues to do his job. The bottom of the second once again becomes a big inning for the Royals, as they just seem to click in the second this year. MJ Melendez hits a double!!! Oh my goodness the prodigal son produces, which makes way for Maikel to continue to show up. He collects another hit to continue the inning as Kyle Isbel connects on an RBI hustle single to extend the lead. 

The offense was stifled the rest of the way besides one mark in the score card. What’s that? A Kyle Isbel Home Run? Those only come around every so often, but when they do they’re majestic. 

Then the bullpen helped absorb the rest of the ballgame as Harvey and Erceg had clean innings. Erceg’s was a bit longer with some help from Salvador Perez, quick on his feet, throwing out a runner at second base. Then Carlos Estevez had his first bumpy outing, but he has a cushion so it wasn’t that big of a deal. A save is still a save, and that’s how this one is finished up. I think that combination of Harvey, Erceg, Estevez is really going to be solid down the stretch. If those three are going, then the rest of this team will inevitably follow. 

Royals Player of the Game

Kyle Isbel

3-4, HR (1), 2 RBI

I’ve said on mini occasions that if Isbel is able to put it together, it makes the decision making so much easier for this team. His .300 average will not last long, but I was joking with a fellow writer, if he can be like this in June, this team turns the corner as one of the best offenses in baseball. Yes, that is a lot to expect and is it likely to happen? Absolutely not. But that’s why we’re here, to talk about the upside. we already know that his defensive paralysis is one of the best from the centerfield position. Now we look to the offensive side to see if he can pick it up a little bit, and tonight proved that he might be able to find that step. He has shown power like this before in the past, but if he can replicate that swing that would be key. I think a more realistic approach to this is, is asking for games like this more occasionally from him. Sometimes he is going to just be great defensively and you can’t do anything about that. But if he can step up to a different level more consistently, he could be a staple to keep the line moving in this offense. 

Summary of the Next Game: 

The Royals will try to stay hot as they continue their series against the Twins in Kansas City. We’ve got a battle of the aces in this one, and a rematch of 2024 Opening Day. Pablo Lopez and Cole Ragans both take the hill to try to come up big for their teams. Lopez to try and put an end to the Twins woes, as he has been really good to start, only giving up three runs in two starts. Cole Ragans has been really solid to start this year as well. Only giving up four runs in ten inning, throwing 10 Ks in his last outing alone. Hopefully the Royals can count on him to keep the line moving in the win department. It’s 6:40p start again on Tuesday, as the boys try to keep the winning going!