Final Score: MIN 0 | KC 2
Overall Record: 79-65
Winning/Losing Pitcher
- W: Michael Wacha (12-7 | 3.34 ERA)
- L: Simeon Woods Richardson (5-4 | 3.67 ERA)
- S: Lucas Erceg (11 | 3.67 ERA)
Royals Player of the Game
Michael Wacha
7.0 IP, 0 ER, 4 H, 7 K, BB
This is now the second time this series against the Twins, that the Royals have had a starter have a scoreless outing. It was Cole Ragans on Friday, and now Michael Wacha on Sunday. Wacha was just toying with the Twins hitters all afternoon long. Throwing pitches down the middle to them and they didn’t even know it was coming. There were multiple occasions where Wacha knew that he had the batter in the palm of his hand, and threw a changeup down the middle to fool them. All his other pitches were working as well, using his fastball to command the zone, and the changeup as a wrinkle. It kept all the hitters speechless as Wacha whirled. He ended up shutting down the Minnesota offense through seven scoreless frames. Just confusing hitter after hitter. I think one thing that is not talked about enough for Wacha is how efficient he is.
He went through seven with only throwing 91 pitches. He strikes people out, understands the situation, and forces ground balls when he needs. He was just nails, as usual for him in 2024. He also notches his 100th career win in the process, just a banner day for Wacha as he continues his gutsy career. Wacha was everything that the Royals wanted him to be when they signed him at the beginning of the year, and we’re reaping the benefits now. He puts the fear of God into hitters who try to underestimate him. It’s almost as if he was just playing with his food before he eats it, it was too easy. Wacha has been the culture definer in the locker room, and without him I don’t think you see this team succeed as much as it is right now. Of course when the other acquisitions contribute it helps, but I would make the case that Wacha is truly the hidden leader of this team, and they embody what he is about: hard work and consistency.
Key Highlights
There was not a lot of action in this one, with only one inning producing any offense at all. It was a pitcher’s duel here for the majority. With Michael Wacha putting on a show, and Twins rookie, Simeon Woods Richardson, really putting a solid outing together. It was quiet for the first half of the game with each pitcher setting down batter after batter. That inning where the offense started happening? The bottom of the fifth, where a leadoff walk by MJ Melendez started off things. Freddy Fermin singled, then Maikel Garcia had an infield single after failing to execute a sac bunt. Then the big thing *almost* happened. Garrett Hampson stood up to the plate and hit one so deep back that the outfielder ran out of room and caught it at the wall. Almost a grand slam for Hampson, but he will take a sac fly and an RBI. Tommy Pham then walked, leaving the bases loaded for Bobby Witt Jr. Who strikes out uncharacteristically, but he is going through a bit of slump at the moment, he’ll wake back up soon. Salvador Perez then had the magical happen, a slow roller up the line that stayed fair the whole time, as the third basemen waited for it to go foul. So, Salvy has an infield RBI single in one of the wackiest plays we’ve seen this year.
That made the score 2-0 and that is all the offense needed on the day thanks to Michael Wacha. Kris Bubic came in and looked excellent, proving he could really be a force in the bullpen down the stretch. Then Lucas Erceg, coming in and sealing the door shut, and making the sweep complete. An important series for the Royals to capitalize on, as they continue their path to the postseason.
Summary of the Next Game
Alright ladies and gents this is the last of this tough 20-game typhoon against playoff teams that the Royals have had to go through. The last series is against the New York Yankees. And let me tell you, it’s going to be one hell of a series. The veteran southpaw Carlos Rodon heads to the mound for the Yankees, as he looks to dominate against a team he’s seen a lot of before. He controls a 4.19 ERA this year, staying really solid for the Bronx Bombers, as they continue their quest for the number one overall seed in the American League for the postseason. Not so fast though, as the Royals are right behind them surprisingly in those standings. This series could be a big differentiator for playoff seeding down the line if the Royals can make up some ground. Well, they’ll start Monday with Brady Singer on the mound. He has a 3.35 ERA on the season, and a 1.5 fWAR amongst starting pitchers since the All-Star Break. That’s good for 6th best in baseball since that point. All eyes will be in the Bronx on Monday, as this young Royals team will try to test the all powerful Yankees on the quest to the postseason. 6:05 CST at Yankee Stadium. It should be a good one.
