Regardless of their flaws and shortcomings, the Kansas Metropolis Royals are again within the postseason driver’s seat. Their 4-2 victory in Recreation 2 in opposition to the New York Yankees was extra dominant than the rating suggests. Salvador Perez’s dwelling run within the fourth inning supplied the spark the lineup wanted, and the bullpen rebounded after a tough outing on Saturday.
Now, the collection shifts to Kauffman Stadium, the place Royals followers can have the prospect to get pleasure from two postseason video games. Seven months in the past, the thought of MLB playoffs returning to the venue appeared inconceivable, however now it’s a actuality.
There are a number of takeaways from Monday’s win, and loads of narratives are positive to be spun. Kansas Metropolis is justifiably excited, and with the collection now tied at 1-1, sweeping declarations concerning the state of the roster might be anticipated — each specializing in the constructive and, sadly, the destructive.
Listed here are some overreactions followers can count on to see following the Royals’ victory, and simply how true every of them truly is.
KC Royals overreaction No. 1: Garrett Hampson saved the season together with his bat
When supervisor Matt Quatraro fielded a righty-heavy lineup in opposition to Yankees starter Carlos Rodón, some Royals followers groaned on the shuffling. Most complaints centered on third baseman Maikel Garcia returning to the leadoff spot, however veteran Garrett Hampson additionally drew criticism. The utilityman hasn’t carried out a lot to earn fan assist this season, however his Recreation 2 efficiency could very nicely change that.
Hampson didn’t want his elite pace or so-so glove to make an impression — he did it together with his bat. The righty struggled on the plate through the common season, slashing simply .230/.275/.300 in restricted plate appearances over 113 video games. However in his first profession postseason begin, Hampson got here by means of with two hits, driving in a single run and scoring one other.
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Hampson solely had two plate appearances earlier than centerfielder Kyle Isbel changed him, however the Royals lineup as an entire had a stable evening — sufficient to tie up the ALDS earlier than heading again to Kauffman Stadium. Whereas Hampson’s efficiency wasn’t the statistical distinction between profitable and dropping, his contribution to the four-run fourth inning is plain.
KC Royals overreaction No. 2: Maikel Garcia is finest leadoff possibility in ALDS
Aug. 31, 2024: The final time Garcia began a sport within the leadoff spot.
Kansas Metropolis had simply misplaced their fourth consecutive sport, and so they had been within the midst of the primary of two seven-game dropping streaks within the season’s second half. The Venezuelan had struggled because the Royals’ major leadoff hitter in 2024, however that hitless, two-strikeout efficiency was the ultimate straw.
But, the Royals’ skipper confirmed his belief in Garcia by placing him again within the leadoff spot for Recreation 2 in opposition to the Yankees on Monday evening.
“We really feel like he raises his stage of competitors somewhat bit in these atmospheres, and we’re hopeful that he can get on and create some havoc on the bases,” Quatraro stated forward of Recreation 2.
Garcia rewarded that vote of confidence with a profession sport, gathering 4 hits and an RBI within the Monday evening victory. He additionally swiped his third base of the postseason, showcasing the baserunning havoc Quatraro had praised.
If Kansas Metropolis has discovered the surroundings Garcia must thrive, they need to experience the recent hand as a lot as doable. Garcia nonetheless has an opportunity to rewrite his 2024 season story by reestablishing himself because the leadoff man — particularly when it issues most.
KC Royals overreaction No. 3: Cole Ragans is not the playoff ace
The southpaw had a robust begin for Kansas Metropolis in Recreation 2, nevertheless it typically felt precarious. 4 walks in 4 innings is an untenable tempo, and he hardly ever maintained agency management on the mound. He threw 87 pitches over 4 innings, with solely 49 strikes. His 43.68% ball price is considerably larger than his Wild Card begin and marks his second-highest price of the 2024 season general.
The Yankees are one of many AL’s finest groups at drawing walks, which made Ragans’ efficiency much more regarding. One swing from slugger Aaron Decide or Royals nemesis Austin Wells may have put New York forward early, because of these free baserunners. Fortunately, that didn’t occur, however Monday was removed from a dominant begin for Ragans.
Kansas Metropolis could very nicely depend on the lefty later on this collection, giving him an opportunity to bounce again. In any case, he had an elite begin in opposition to the Baltimore Orioles earlier this postseason, so there’s nonetheless loads of purpose to imagine in Ragans the subsequent time he takes the mound.
KC Royals overreaction No. 4: Bobby Witt Jr. is shying away from postseason highlight
A lot has been made from Bobby Witt Jr.’s 2024 season, and rightfully so. He’s achieved feats this yr that haven’t been seen in Royals historical past since Corridor of Famer George Brett, and Witt’s potential continues to really feel limitless. Nevertheless, after back-to-back 0-for-5 video games in opposition to the Yankees, the naysayers are beginning to communicate up.
Recreation 2 was one other tough outing for Witt, as he tallied three strikeouts on Monday evening. His plate strategy didn’t encourage confidence both, swinging at pitches he wouldn’t have chased two months in the past.
These previous two video games have been outliers for Witt, particularly when in comparison with his general MLB profession. He struggled to hit at Yankee Stadium earlier this season, so maybe the collection shifting to Kauffman Stadium will enhance his efficiency on the plate.
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