Final Score NYY 4 | KCR 2

Overall Record 39-28  (2nd Place, 4.5 GB)

Winning/Losing Pitcher 

• W: Carlos Rodon (9-2, 2.93 ERA)
• L: Seth Lugo (9-2, 2.36 ERA)
• SV: Michael Tonkin (1)

Royals Player of the Game

Bobby Witt, Jr.: 1-for-4, 2B, RBI

There wasn’t a ton of offense from either team in this game. In fact, Bobby Witt, Jr. got the only extra-base hit in the entire game when he hit a double in the bottom of the 8th to drive in Dairon Blanco. The only other player to drive in a run for the Royals was Freddy Fermin. Outside of those two, Nick Loftin was most productive on the night going 2-for-2 with a BB. 

Key Highlights 

Pitching was the highlight of this series. Yankees left-hander Carlos Rodon dominated the Royals going seven innings while giving up just five hits and one earned run while striking out three. He lived in the zone and the Royals couldn’t seem to even hit the pitches he was leaving right over the middle of the plate. Rodon only needed 103 pitches to get through the seven innings.

Seth Lugo was just as dominant on the other side but gave up four earned runs and eight hits while striking out four. Lugo, unfortunately, just got singled and BABIPed to death. He still gave the Royals seven solid innings to help ensure that the bullpen didn’t get too worn down.

The only other real highlight of this game was Dan Altavilla’s debut with the Royals. Altavilla has a cool comeback story, as he hasn’t pitched in the major leagues since 2021 due to injuries. The Royals signed him to a minor league contract hoping he could find some of his previous success. He dominated the Yankees over an inning where he struck out two and gave up no hits. 

Summary of the Next Game

The Royals will play the second game against the Yankees and will face another tough pitcher in Marcus Stroman (5-2, 3.04 ERA). Brady Singer (4-2. 2.76 ERA) will look to continue his success on the mound for the Royals.