The offense flashes and the Royals win 7-4 over the Rockies

Royals put together 13 hits ending their 4 or less runs scored streak and get a big win in game one of their doubleheader

Today in Kansas City, the Royals took on the Rockies in the first game of a double header with hopes to get back on track to win the series. Coming off a big win on Tuesday with a walk-off hit from Freddy Fermin, the Royals looked to carry some momentum with them into the two games today. Fortunately for them, the offense was hot and got 13 hits as they were able to get a big 7-4 win.

The game started with some fireworks, with three combined runs in the first inning, and eight combined runs in the first three. Both pitchers struggled with command early, as Ragans first run came off a walk, a wild pitch and then a single to drive in Brenton Doyle. On the other side, Marquez nearly hit every batter he faced including a pitch that caught Bobby Witt near the head, and a Salvador Perez double drove in Bobby Witt Jr and Maikel Garcia. All this just in the first inning...

The pitching struggles for both teams continued, as Ragans gave up two home runs, both to left field, a one run shot from Jordan Beck in the second, and a two run homer from Hunter Goodman (who also had the hit to drive in Doyle) in the third. Ragans exited the game with just three innings pitched, raising some concern for fans because of a report that he had some elbow discomfort after his 7.2 inning start in Cleveland a little over a week ago.

Fortunately for the Royals, German Marquez had similar struggles, as he also allowed four runs in the first three innings and was pulled from the game. The Royals runs came in different fashion, with seven hits through the first three innings including another double from Salvador Perez in the third. The Royals two out rally in the third inning with Michael Massey driving Perez in from second, and then hits from Hunter Renfroe and Drew Waters tied the game up at four a piece.

The Rockies had someone warming up, but decided to stick with Marquez through 4.0 innings and was pulled after walking his first two batters in the fifth. The Rockies went to Jake Bird who came in and got two outs, and looked like he might get out of the inning clean. But another walk loaded the bases, and a line drive by Kyle Isbel that went off Michael Toglia’s glove at first base, drove in two runs and gave the Royals the lead 6-4.

In the the bottom of the 7th, the Royals got hits from all three of their outfielders and were able to add on another run putting them up 7-4. The bullpen held on the rest of the way and Estevez was able to come in and get the save to win the game. They will come back this afternoon hoping to keep the sweep.

Winners

Salvador Perez - 2-4 with a walk at the plate, 2 runs, 2 RBIs, both hits were doubles

Maikel Garcia - 2-5 at the plate and a run in the first, outs came on competitive ABs

The Outfield - Renfroe, Isbel and Waters all got on base at least twice (seven times combined), Defense was great and consistent as well

Matt Quatraro - Garcia in the leadoff spot, pulled Ragans early despite being down, and managed the bullpen well

Losers

Cole Ragans - 3.0 IP, 4 ER, 2 BBs, 3 H

Vinnie Pasquantino - 0-5 today, only starter to not get a hit