Today, the Royals will take on the Guardians in the final game of a four-game series, looking to split the series after coming away with an essential win in a bullpen game yesterday. The Royals dropped the first two games of the series and fell behind the Guardians in the playoff race, and only added to the gap between them and the Mariners. Today, the Royals need a win to both make up some ground on the Mariners and to get ahead of Cleveland as we enter the final stretch.
The Royals’ offense has
hopped on the struggle bus again this year, and their struggles to produce runs have been put on full display. So far in the series, the Royals have only scored six runs in the three games they have had with the Guardians, with four of them coming last night. It feels like we have been telling the same story all season, but the Royals’ offense will need to get back on track if they want to come away with a win tonight.
The pitching for the Royals has remained solid, and outside of a brutal game on Monday, the Royals have not allowed more than three runs since the third. Today, Stephen Kolek will take the mound, coming off two phenomenal performances against the Twins and Tigers. Kolek posted quality starts in both games, and the Royals would like him to go deep in the game today as well after the bullpen game last night.
For the Guardians, Gavin Williams will take the mound to close out the series as they look to come away with a massive series win. Williams has played well against the Royals, only giving up two runs in each of his two previous starts this season against the Royals. He enters this game hot, coming off of two seven-inning outings where he only allowed one run. The Royals will need to get to him quickly if they want to come away with a big win tonight.
First pitch is at 6:15 CT
Against a right-hander, Yaz getts the leadoff spot, and Garcia moves back to the four hole. Caglianone is back in right field, and India will man second base in the seven spot. Luke Maile will be behind the plate because of his familiarity with Kolek as the Royals hope to come away with a much needed win
For Cleveland, Valera is back at DH, while Nolan Jones will move into the five-hole. Bo Naylor is back behind the plate, but moves to the eight spot because CJ Kayfus will be in right field today. The Guardians are hungry for a win and need to come away with one today just as much as the Royals.
