Generally when I write a recap I settle on a key storyline. A particular position player with a few clutch hits. An impressive pitching start. A key defensive play that became a turning point. Today, however, I’m not sure where to start. Should we talk about the first complete game by a starter since 2021 … Read more
Houston native Shane Baz was rolling — until he wasn’t. Baz was cruising through the first four frames with the aid of a first inning lead by way of a Yandy Diaz sacrifice fly. Two more Rays runs came in the fourth and fifth from Chandler Simpson walking, stealing second and third base, and scoring … Read more
The Rays go back on the road one game over .500, taking on the Houston Astros for four games, luckily just missing the resurgent ace Lance McCullers. The first pitcher up is… maybe a starter? Ryan Gusto has made 12 appearances with six starts, but has also thrown relief in between. It’s not immediately clear … Read more
On the afternoon getaway day game, with the series tied 1-1, the Rays were hoping to come away with a series win before seeing the Blue Jays again for the second time this month. The Astros had been tough competition this series, and this game wouldn’t prove to be an easy one. Taj Bradley was … Read more
Is it better to stage a comeback and then watch the game slip away? Or to never come back at all? The first four innings of this game were all Astros. They scored three runs in the first two innings, but had runners on base in the other innings (their only one-two-three inning was the … Read more
Michael Massey had a big game, Michael Wacha was once again solid, and the top third of the lineup accrued a combined seven hits to send the Astros back to earth in a 7-5 Royals victory down in Houston. Kansas City improves to 25-18, with the Astros slipping back to a .500 record at 20-20. … Read more
Houston Astros pitcher Lance McCullers Jr. hasn’t played since Game 3 of the 2022 World Series. However, according to manager Joe Espada on Wednesday, McCullers is scheduled to start this Sunday against the Chicago White Sox. “I’m really excited to have him on the mound on Sunday,” Espada said, according to the Associated Press (via … Read more
Man, how much a week can change the outlook of things. Last Sunday, nothing was going right for the Royals, and they were finishing a miserable road trip taking on reigning Cy Young award winner Tarik Skubal. Since then, they have ripped off six straight wins, including two extra innings wins. The offense has found … Read more
The Royals six game win streak came to an end on Sunday afternoon. Yordan Alvarez powered Houston to a 7-3 win, to avoid getting swept in Kansas City for the second consecutive season. The Royals also fall back under .500, now sitting at 14-15 heading into an off day tomorrow before playing the Rays Tuesday-Thursday. … Read more
The 12-14 Royals open a three-game weekend series against the 13-11 Houston Astros tonight. You can see the series preview here. Game starts at 6:40pm Kauffman time. Seth Lugo takes the mound for the Royals. While his 3.90 ERA is respectable, his underlying peripherals this season have taken a nosedive. Fewer strikeouts, more walks, more … Read more