Michael Lorenzen delivered an impressive performance, pitching seven scoreless innings as the Kansas City Royals secured a 3-0 victory over the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday. This win marked the Royals’ sixth triumph in their last seven games, showcasing their strong form. The game was particularly significant as it marked the season debut of veteran pitcher Johnny Cueto for the Angels, who previously played a crucial role in the Royals’ 2015 World Series championship.
Cueto, who had not appeared in a major league game since September 27 of the previous year while with the Marlins, signed a minor league contract with the Angels in July. He was called up from Triple-A Salt Lake earlier on Wednesday. In his outing, Cueto allowed three runs on eight hits and issued two walks over 6 1/3 innings, receiving applause from the Kansas City crowd as he exited the game. In contrast, Lorenzen’s performance was marked by allowing only four hits, two walks, and striking out five, with minimal scoring threats from the Angels.
The Royals took an early lead with a two-out rally in the second inning, scoring two runs thanks to a double from Kyle Isbel following singles from Hunter Renfroe and Adam Frazier, along with a walk from Maikel Garcia. MJ Melendez later added to the score with a solo home run in the sixth inning, solidifying the Royals’ advantage at 3-0. Additionally, Bobby Witt Jr. extended his hitting streak to ten games with a double in the second inning, marking his fifth streak of ten or more games this season. The Royals now sit tied with the Minnesota Twins for the second wild-card spot and are just 2.5 games behind the Cleveland Guardians in the AL Central standings.
The Royals are set to take a break on Thursday before welcoming the Philadelphia Phillies for a three-game series at Kauffman Stadium, which commences on Friday. Kansas City will have Michael Wacha (10-6, 3.33 ERA) on the mound, while the Phillies have yet to disclose their starting pitcher. Coverage prior to the game on SuperStar Country 102.5 & 1530 AM will start at 6:30 p.m., leading up to the first pitch scheduled for 7:10 p.m.
