Final Score: TEX 15 | KC 4
Overall Record: 20-14
Winning/Losing Pitcher:
- W: Josh Sborz (1-0, 1.69 ERA)
- L: Michael Wacha (1-4, 5.50 ERA)
Royals Player of the Game
Michael Massey
3-4, 1 2B, 2 R’s
On a night where the Royals pitching blew up, there was some offense provided in the 11 run loss. Michael Massey may not have driven in runs, but he was always on-base and got back-to-back multi hit games. If there is any consolation from this match it is the Massey has hit well over the past week with a 7-game hit streak. During this stretch he is hitting .325 (8 for 25) during this stretch with 7 RBI’s and 2 HR’s.
Key Highlights
Massey had a good game, but overall the offense was carried by a couple of players tonight. Maikel Garcia had two hits, but it didn’t lead to much. Bobby Witt Jr. had a two-walk game and scored on a Vinnie Pasquantino single. Nelson Velazquez went 1-for-4 with a double and Hunter Renfroe provided half the offense with a two run single. On the good side, some players who have struggled got hits so maybe they get going. On the bad side, however, Salvy cooled off a little bit with a two strikeout night and MJ Melendez is on the struggle bus, he has one hit in the last ten games, as he got pinch hit for(by Garrett Hampson of all players).
The pitching wasn’t much better as Michael Wacha just hasn’t gotten it together quite yet. Lot’s of loud contact given up, not missing bats, and some doinkers sum up this start. Throw in the blow ups from Colin Selby and Matt Sauer and you see why the Rangers scored 15 runs. On the bright side, Tyler Duffey continues a good start to his Royals tenure and Will Smith got a scoreless inning.
Summary of the Next Game
Once again the Royals look to take a series from a good AL team in the rubber match. They will send out Daniel Lynch IV (0-0), who will be called up sometime today and look to show any of that potential many thought he had. The Rangers will send out Jon Gray (1-1, 2.48 ERA) who is coming off an eight inning outing against the Washington Nationals.
Photo credit: Abbie Parr/ AP photo