Lately, I’ve been writing game discussions and recaps after unfortunate events.
Last Thursday, I wrote the game thread the day after the nine-game winning streak snapped.
Today, it’s following the end of five straight series wins.
But that’s okay. Listen, if you were thinking that the Royals could make the playoffs during this stretch of great baseball that began when they were 24 games under .500, I applaud you. I wish I could’ve had that kind of hope.
Still, we’ve seen this team’s best action the past
couple of weeks. Even having dropped two in a row to the Fish, I’m looking forward to watching Michael Wacha take the mound tonight on the heels of his gem against Cleveland on August 28th.
Let’s bid adieu to the Marlins with a victory, one that would push them even farther behind the Diamondbacks for the last National Wild Card spot. It’s that time of year: playing spoiler.
As mentioned, Wacha takes the ball tonight. In his last outing, he absolutely cooked the Guardians, tossing eight scoreless innings while allowing four hits and zero walks while striking out 10. It was beautiful. In his third year with the Royals, Wacha has become the starting rotation’s anchor. I wouldn’t be surprised at all if the Royals tabbed him as the team’s Opening Day starter in 2027.
Here’s the Royals’ lineup:
Carter Jensen launched two home runs last night while also drawing a walk. He’s locked in. I’m glad to see Isaac Collins back in left because I am over the John Rave Experience. Neither one of these dudes is the long-term answer in left, but, obviously, I’d much rather see Collins out there. Salvador Perez and Vinnie Pasquantino swap defensive roles, such as it is, with the former starting at first and the latter taking on the DH role. Josh Rojas starts at the hot corner over Nick Loftin.
This lineup will face Sandy Alcantara, who captured the National League Cy Young Award back in 2022. Since, he’s struggled, falling off in 2023, missing all of 2024, and rebounding in 2025. Now, he’s as close to 2022-form as he’s been. He leads the Majors in games started, innings pitched, and batters faced, but has also allowed the most hits. The Marlins haven’t won any of his starts since August 8.
His offense:
Name me a more anonymous lineup the Majors. Not that the Marlins are bad—they’re clearly not, as they have a winning record. But this offense—heck, this franchise—is just so…I don’t know…boring, and they have been for years. When they first entered the National League with the Rockies, they were a cool new thing, especially when they won the World Series in 1997 (thanks a lot, Jose Mesa) and 2003.
Since? Yawn.
And still, they are 71-69 and just 2-and-1/2 games back of Arizona for a playoff spot (albeit with the Padres also ahead of them).
First pitch tonight at 6:40. It will be hot.
