Game 153: Royals wrap up series against the Mariners

Today, the Royals take on the Mariners in the final game of a must-win three-game series at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals have split the series so far, with the Mariners taking game one in a 12-5 blowout where the Royals were down 10-1 at one point. Kansas City bounced back in game two in Cole Ragans’ return to the mound and another big game from Carter Jensen. The Royals will now look to take the series this afternoon as they cling to their playoff hopes.

The Royals’ playoff chances are slim, and they have really been trying to give their young prospects chances to impact the game, with Carter Jensen having played in four games in a row and Jac Caglianone playing in eight of the last nine games. The Royals sit 7.5 games back from a playoff spot, and the team knows they have to be all but perfect if they want to sneak their way into the playoffs.

Today, the Royals will send Stephen Kolek to the mound, who has been exceptional for the Royals in his three starts with the team so far. In his 19.2 innings pitched for the Royals this year, Kolek has only allowed four total runs and has dropped his season ERA from 4.18 to 3.71. Kolek has seen massive improvements with both his fastball offerings and has consistently been elite at forcing ground balls for the Royals. He now has an opportunity to go for his fourth consecutive quality start as a Royals starter this season.

On the mound for the Mariners is Luis Castillo, who has struggled at times this year and is not quite playing like the ACE quality pitcher he used to be. However, Castillo is still posting an ERA of 3.76 on the year and has proven to be a quality pitcher. In his last two starts, Castillo bounced back from a brutal stretch of games where he gave up 19 runs over just 17 innings and four starts. Castillo heavily relies on his fastballs, and the Royals will have to be ready for a variety of firm pitches if they want to come away with the series.