Final Score: TB 4 | KC 7

Overall Record: 34-19

Winning/Losing Pitcher:

• W: James McArthur (2-2, 3.80 ERA)
• L: Richard Lovelady (0-3, 8.38 ERA)
• S: Nick Anderson (1, 3.93 ERA)

Royals Player of the Game

Nelson Velazquez

2-for-5, HR, 1 2B, 2 RBI’s

Is Nelson Velazquez finally coming out of his slump? While we have no idea right now, this game could be the spark for a early summer breakout. “Nelly Nukes” started the scoring with a solo shot in the second then started the rally in the top of the eleventh with a RBI double. If Velazquez, or any of the corner outfield bats, get going then the Royals lineup becomes a little deeper.

Key Highlights

The offense was powered by a weird mix of players in this game with Nelson Velazquez providing the pop. Adam Frazier went 3-for-5 in the game adding in another RBI while stealing a bag. Maikel Garcia had a two hit day as he extends his hit streak to 13 games. Garrett Hampson came off the bench, replacing MJ Melendez, and had a two-hit day as well.

On the pitching side of things, Brady Singer grinded through five innings of work before turning the game over to the bullpen. After Chris Stratton gave up a run it wasn’t until extras before the Rays scored again. Angel Zerpa, John Schrieber, and Nick Anderson had clean outings while James McArthur let in an unearned run in his two innings of work.

Summary of the Next Game

As winners of now eight straight, the Royals look for a series sweep of the Rays. The boys are sending out Michael Wacha (4-4, 4.45 ERA) to play some ball while the Rays send out Taj Bradley (1-2, 4.00 ERA). The Royals are hoping the Cleveland Guardians lose a game so they can take a lead in the AL Central.

Photo credit: AP Photo/Charlie Riedel