The Kansas City Royals needed a quality start. After being outscored 40-6 in their last three games, the Royals couldn’t afford to overextend their bullpen.
Enter Royals starting pitcher Michael Wacha.
Wacha allowed one run in Saturday’s 2-1 loss against the Chicago White Sox. He scattered five hits while striking out seven batters.
In the eighth inning, Wacha also reached a career milestone. He struck out White Sox catcher Kyle Teel on a 95.7 mph fastball to record his 1500th career strikeout.
Meanwhile, the White Sox didn’t have many opportunities. Wacha efficiently navigated the same Chicago lineup that posted 22 runs in Friday’s game. He did so with his patented changeup and mix of off-speed pitches.
Wacha recorded 52 swings and 11 whiffs in the start. The White Sox swung early in multiple counts and Wacha got some defensive help.
Royals second baseman Michael Massey made two key plays in the second inning. And Salvador Perez threw out White Sox outfielder Braden Montgomery in the fifth.
However, neither team could find much offensive rhythm. And despite his strong effort, Wacha wound up with a no decision.
The Royals scored their lone run in the seventh. Carter Jensen extended his hitting streak to a career-best 18 games. His two-out RBI single gave the Royals a slim lead.
However, the Royals failed to add more as Nick Loftin ran through a stop sign and was tagged out at third base to end the seventh inning.
The baserunning mistake was costly. Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. was left standing on deck with a chance to increase the lead.
And there were other missed chances. The Royals left two runners in scoring position in the second inning. Both John Rave and Loftin struck out against White Sox starter Davis Martin.
Loftin also couldn’t get a safety squeeze down in the seventh. However, Jensen’s RBI single negated the mistake in the frame.
Martin also earned a no decision. He didn’t allow a run in 5 and 1/3 innings.
The White Sox tied the game in the seventh. Braden Montgomery recorded an RBI on a fielder’s choice. Then, Saturday’s game became a bullpen battle. Those have not been turning out well for the Royals.
Chicago turned to hard-throwing reliever Grant Taylor, and he retired six consecutive batters across two innings. His strong work set the stage for the ninth inning where the White Sox needed a run to win the game and the series outright.
After loading the bases, White Sox first baseman Jacob Gonzalez hit a walk-off single off Royals reliever John Schreiber to win the game.
The Royals dropped to 34-50 this season. They have lost four consecutive games on their seven-game road trip.
Meanwhile, Chicago (43-38) won a franchise-record 10th consecutive home series. They are 16-9 against the American League Central.
What’s next: Royals right-hander Luinder Avila (3-3, 5.06 ERA) will start Sunday’s series finale opposite left-hander Anthony Kay (6-2, 4.24 ERA) at Rate Field. First pitch is set for 1:10 p.m. Central Time.
‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’
‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source www.kansascity.com ’
