In the first game of a doubleheader against the struggling Chicago White Sox, the Kansas City Royals secured a 4-2 victory with a late offensive surge. Salvador Perez proved to be the hero, smashing a crucial two-run homer in the eighth inning off Michael Kopech to propel the Royals ahead. Hunter Renfroe contributed to the scoring with a solo shot in the ninth inning, while Adam Frazier drove in the Royals’ first run earlier in the game.
Despite allowing a two-run homer to Paul DeJong, Royals ace Brady Singer delivered a solid performance, yielding only two runs over five innings. Nick Anderson earned the win after pitching a scoreless seventh inning, and James McArthur secured the save in the ninth.
Chicago’s starter, Jonathan Cannon, impressed in his major league debut, pitching five strong innings and exiting with a 2-1 lead. However, the White Sox bullpen faltered late in the game, allowing Kansas City to seize control and secure the win.
In the second game of the doubleheader the White Sox managed to secure a narrow 2-1 victory, snapping their six-game losing streak. Gavin Sheets delivered a crucial solo home run, while Erick Fedde pitched impressively, holding the Royals scoreless into the sixth inning.
Paul DeJong continued his strong performance from the first game, tallying two singles in the second game after a remarkable five-hit performance earlier in the day. Despite their struggles this season, the White Sox found solace in winning a tightly contested game against a team that has dominated them throughout the season.
The doubleheader split was scheduled due to a rainout the previous night, providing both teams with a grueling day of back-to-back games. The Royals, who won the first game of the doubleheader, have had success against the White Sox this season, boasting a 6-1 record against their AL Central rivals.
Fedde, making his fourth start with the White Sox, delivered a strong outing, allowing just three hits over 5 2/3 innings to earn his first win with the team. Sheets’ pivotal home run off Michael Wacha in the sixth inning ultimately proved to be the difference-maker for the White Sox.
Despite Wacha’s solid performance, surrendering only two runs and four hits over six innings, the Royals’ offense couldn’t muster enough runs to overcome the deficit. Hunter Renfroe managed to drive in a run with a groundout in the seventh inning, but the Royals fell short in their comeback attempt.
Left-handed pitcher Anthony Veneziano was designated as the 27th man for the Kansas City Royals’ doubleheader. This rule allows teams to expand their roster to 27 players for the duration of a doubleheader. Although Veneziano was brought up from Triple-A Omaha to be available out of the bullpen in Chicago, he did not make an appearance in either game.
Veneziano, 26, ranks as the Royals’ 13th prospect and has showcased a 3.27 ERA in four games this season, including two starts, for Omaha. He has been deployed in a versatile role, often pitching for multiple innings either as a starter or in high-pressure relief situations.
Regarding injuries, second baseman Michael Massey has been sidelined due to lower back tightness and has been on the injured list since Opening Day. Massey commenced his rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha, performing well with a .407 batting average, six extra-base hits, and eight RBIs in six games. His return to the Royals lineup is anticipated in mid-to-late April, potentially coinciding with the start of the homestand against the Orioles on April 19th.
Esteury Ruiz showcased his prowess with a second homer in three games since his recall from Triple-A, propelling the Oakland Athletics to a 6-3 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Wednesday, thereby evading a potential three-game sweep.
Ruiz contributed two RBIs, crossed home plate twice, and swiped a base, further solidifying his impact since returning from Triple-A Las Vegas on Monday, where he has tallied two home runs in just seven at-bats.
A crowd of 9,551 witnessed the game, culminating in a series attendance of 18,355 fans. The Athletics, amidst plans to relocate to Sacramento from 2025-27 while a new ballpark is constructed in Las Vegas, have thus far averaged 6,244 attendees in their initial 13 home games.
Tyler Nevin bolstered Oakland’s offensive output with three hits and an RBI, facilitating their ascent to a 4-9 home record.
On the opposing end, Iván Herrera managed two RBIs for the Cardinals, whose struggles in series finales persisted as they fell to an 0-6 record in such games this season.
In pitching, Oakland’s Paul Blackburn surrendered three runs over 5 2/3 innings, snapping a streak of 22 1/3 scoreless innings. Despite issuing six hits and five walks, Blackburn secured his second win of the season, supported by a season-high seven strikeouts.
Ruiz ignited the scoring for Oakland with a two-run homer in the third inning, countered by St. Louis’ three-run surge in the fourth. However, Oakland responded with fervor, securing the lead for good and sealing the victory.
Looking ahead, the Cardinals will face the Milwaukee Brewers at home, while the Athletics gear up to battle the Cleveland Guardians on the road.
Other MLB scores from Wednesday, April 17, 2024:
San Francisco 3, Miami 1
Baltimore 4, Minnesota 2
NY Mets 9, Pittsburgh 1
Texas 5, Detroit 4
Milwaukee 1, San Diego 1
Atlanta 5, Houston 4 (10)
NY Yankees 6, Toronto 4
Washington 2, LA Dodgers 0
Oakland 6, St. Louis 3
Philadelphia 7, Colorado 6
LA Angels 5, Tampa Bay 4
Boston 2, Cleveland 0
Kansas City 4, Chicago White Sox 2 (G1)
Chicago White Sox 2, Kansas City 1 (G2)
