The game started like the first two for the Royals, scoreless innings. However, a leadoff walk in the third to Jac Caglianone started the scoring. Nick Loftin would hit into a double play, but the Royals would successfully overturn the out call at first base. So, they still had a runner on first with one out. Kyle Isbel would strike out, but an infield single from Maikel Garcia and an RBI single from Bobby Witt Jr. put the Royals up 1-0. It was the Royals first hit with a runner in scoring position this season, after being 0-10 in the first two contests.
In the top of the fourth, Carter Jensen would hit his first home run of the season, a 371-foot shot into the right field seats. Jensen has had a good approach the first two games, and it was nice to see him get rewarded, putting his team up 2-0.
Nick Loftin would lead off the fifth inning with a double down the left field line, he would score on a two out single from Vinnie Pasquantino, and for the third straight inning, the Royals had scored a run.
The three runs were more than the Royals had scored in the first two games combined and was more than enough for Seth Lugo, who was in 2024 form today. Just a masterful first appearance on the season for Lugo. 6.1 innings, five hits, no runs, no walks and three strikeouts. It was the second straight quality start for the Royals. A good sign early that they haven’t had to rely on the bullpen too much.
Matt Strahm would replace Lugo in the bottom of the seventh, with one out and a runner on second and would retire the two Braves he faced. Strahm has looked really good in his back-to-back appearances to start the season.
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A leadoff walk in the top of the 8th to Witt Jr., and a single from Vinnie put the Royals on the corners with nobody out. After Perez struck out, Jensen would hit a sacrifice fly to center field to put the Royals up 4-0.
John Schreiber would make his 2026 debut in the bottom of the 8th. After retiring his first two batters, he would surrender a solo shot to right field to Drake Baldwin on a full count pitch. But would quickly bounce back by striking out Matt Olson looking.
After the Carlos Estevez meltdown last night, velocity concerns and the X-rays he got on his ankle after taking a comebacker last night. Lucas Erceg got the first crack at recording the save.
It was quick and dominant for “Lights Out” Lucas, as he struck out Austin Riley, and induced a game ended double play ball from Ozzie Albies after a nice swing single from Mike Yastrzemski. A 4-1 win for the boys in blue.
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The Royals avoided being swept and got their first win on the season. They are 1-2 heading into their home opener tomorrow afternoon against the Minnesota Twins. They will also be home for the Milwaukee Brewers next weekend, to conclude the six-game homestand. First pitch tomorrow is set for 3:10 p.m. CT and can be watched on Royals.TV or KCTV5/KSMO.