Kansas City, MO – Cole Ragans delivered a masterful performance on the mound, striking out 11 batters across six sharp innings, as the Kansas City Royals edged out the Minnesota Twins 2-1 in a game marred by defensive miscues on Tuesday night at Kauffman Stadium.
Despite managing just three hits and scoring two unearned runs, the Royals (4-1 in their last five games) found a way to secure the victory, capitalizing on crucial errors by the visiting Twins.
The decisive moment came in the bottom of the eighth inning. Bobby Witt Jr. reached base after scorching a ball that resulted in a throwing error by Twins reliever Griffin Jax (0-1), allowing the speedy shortstop to advance all the way to third. Witt then scampered home for the go-ahead run when Vinnie Pasquantino hit a soft grounder.
Ragans was stellar for the Royals, allowing just one run on four hits while showcasing his impressive strikeout prowess. John Schreiber (1-0) pitched out of a tense jam in the top of the eighth inning, and Daniel Lynch IV recorded the final out to earn his first save of the season.
The Royals took an early 1-0 lead in the fourth inning. Witt led off with a double and advanced to third on an error by Twins second baseman Micky Gasper on a ball hit by Pasquantino. Witt then scored on a groundout by Salvador Perez.
The Twins (who fall to 3-8) responded in the top of the fifth. Ty France doubled and later scored on a single by Harrison Bader that glanced off the glove of Royals left fielder Mark Canha at the wall.
Minnesota had a golden opportunity to tie or take the lead in the top of the eighth, with runners on the corners. However, Carlos Correa grounded into an inning-ending double play, squashing the Twins’ threat.
Adding to the Twins’ woes, starting pitcher Pablo López was forced to leave the game in the bottom of the fifth inning due to right hamstring tightness. The right-hander had pitched effectively up to that point, allowing three hits and striking out six over 4 2/3 innings. The injury occurred after he walked Jonathan India and immediately grabbed the back of his right leg, requiring a visit from Twins trainer Nick Paparesta.
Looking ahead, the series continues on Wednesday night at Kauffman Stadium. Twins right-hander Joe Ryan (0-1, 4.50 ERA) is scheduled to face Royals right-hander Seth Lugo (1-0, 3.27 ERA). Pregame coverage will begin at 6:00 p.m. on SuperStar Country 102.5 FM & 1530 AM, with the first pitch slated for 6:40 p.m. CT.
