Image Credit: AP Photo / Charlie Riedel
Final Score: KC 8 | STL 5
Overall Record: 51-43
Winning/Losing Pitcher
W: Michael Wacha (6-6 | 3.83 ERA)
L: Gordon Graceffo (0-1 | 4.70 ERA)
S: James McArthur (17)
Royals Player(s) of the Game
Michael Wacha: 5.0 IP, 3 ER, 7 H, 3 K, 1 BB
Wacha spent the first seven years of his career as a St. Louis Cardinal. He started 151 games during that time and was part of three NLCS teams. He’s no Albert Pujols or Yadier Molina, but he will always be remembered for his time in Cardinal red. However, on this night, he helped the team on the other side of the I-70 rivalry. In his first game back in Busch Stadium, Wacha gave the away team five solid innings of work, leading to a win and a 100% career win rate as a road pitcher in St. Louis.
Kyle Isbel: 2-3, 1 RBI, 3 R, 1 HR, 1 BB
Isbel continues to improve at the plate and it is paying dividends for the Royals. Outside of his solo homerun in the ninth inning, he came around to score both of the other times he was on base. His ability to get on base is a massive boost to the Royals offense, especially with guys like Bobby Witt Jr and Salvador Perez batting just a few spots behind him. Add in his elite defense and you’ve got yourself a valuable piece for any team.
Other Highlights
Three other Royals collected multiple hits and only one starter failed to reach base. Three Royals also supplied the power with homeruns. On the mound, the bullpen came through, giving up just one run across four innings of work. Kris Bubic made his second appearance of the season and once again looked great. He has three strikeouts and hasn’t allowed a hit in his first two innings coming back from injury. If he can become a reliable option out of the bullpen, he could be the most important mid-season addition the team makes.
Summary of the Next Game
The Royals have Thursday off as they travel to Boston for the final series before the All-Star Break. Trailing the Red Sox by just half a game in the Wild Card standings, a series win would put the Royals in the playoff field at the de facto halfway point of the season. Cole Ragans will face off against Josh Winckowski as both teams look to take control of their playoff fate before the long break.