Royals 5, Twins 0: Ragans and Royals Shut Out Twins in First Game of Key Series

Box Score
SP: Zebby Matthews 5 IP, 4 H, 4 ER, 1 BB, 4 K (89 pitches, 60 strikes (67%)
Home Runs: None
Bottom 3 WPA: Zebby Matthews (-.122), Carlos Santana (-.064), Austin Martin (-.064)

Win Probability Chart (via FanGraphs)

 

The Twins and the Royals have met 11 times this season, starting with the first series out of spring training. The Twins have won all three series heading into this final showdown of the season, with the two teams neck-and-neck for second place in the division and the race for the wild card. 

This was rookie Zebby Matthews' second time facing the Royals. His first meeting was his major-league debut, and he got the win. Matthews outlasted Royals pitcher Seth Lugo, staying on the mound for five innings, throwing 77 pitches, only two earned runs, no walks, and five strikeouts. However, Matthews' most recent start against Toronto was a very rough one.

Tonight, he looked to bounce back against veteran Royals All-Star pitcher Cole Ragans. The offense was going to be challenged to put up some runs to help the rookie out like they did the last time against KC. 

Minnesota's lineup could not get on the board early on in the game. They mounted a threat against Ragans in the first but couldn't capitalize. Twins hitters spent the next six innings chasing pitches and striking out against Ragans, who was dominant.

The Twins' best threat to score came in the fourth. Kyle Farmer was on first when Austin Martin hit a ball deep into the left field corner. Tommy Watkins the third base coach waved Farmer around, and the relay from Bobby Witt Jr. made it to catcher Salvador Perez who easily tagged Farmer out to end the inning. The sends from Watkins have been questionable lately and have created some frustrating outcomes for the players. 

The Royals struck first on an RBI double from Tommy Pham, bringing home Kyle Isbel, who was Matthews's only walk of the game. The defense and Matthews' pitching kept the Royals to one run until Michael Massey hit a solo home run in the bottom of the fourth for a 2-0 lead. Kansas City tacked on two more in the fifth, and Matthews exited down 4-0. 

Ronny Henriquez came in for the sixth and seventh innings and not only had two clean outings on 13 pitches but was assisted by a fantastic catch from Martin to rob MJ Melendez of continuing the inning. Caleb Thielbar handled the eighth and gave up a run.

The Twins never really had a chance in this one. The bats were dead on arrival, leading to their ninth shutout of the season.

With the Royals now a half-game ahead of the Twins, these next two games are vital to the club if they want to stay in front of Kansas City in the playoff pecking order.

What’s Next?
The Twins continue with the Royals in this critical series. Bailey Ober (12-6; 3.95 ERA) taking the bump against Alec Marsh (7-8; 4.70 ERA) at 6:15PM CST. Both pitchers have been crucial to their teams, so it will be a battle. 

Postgame Interviews

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