Seattle Mariners vs Kansas City Royals Picks and Predictions May 15th 2024

Royals’ Nelson Velazquez Sparks Comeback with Clutch Home Run Against Mariners

When Nelson Velazquez joined the Kansas City Royals from the Chicago Cubs, everyone was buzzing with excitement. He had moments of sheer brilliance in the past, and the Royals were pumped to see him shine. But, the beginning of his season didn’t go as planned, and he hit a rough patch early on.

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Turning Point in Seattle

On a chilly Tuesday night in Seattle, Velazquez really turned things around. In a nail-biting seventh inning, with the Royals lagging behind, he stepped up and delivered a game-changing three-run homer, clinching a 4-2 win for his team. This wasn’t just any homer; it was his first in over a month and a loud message that he might just be back in his groove.

The Strategy Behind the Swing

Facing off against Seattle’s Logan Gilbert, who had been owning the game with his killer slider, Velazquez had a clear game plan. He said, “Gilbert loves his slider, so I knew what I had to do. I looked for the slider and aimed to smack it right down the middle.” And smack it he did, showing off his knack for taking on tough pitches and coming out on top.

From the Manager’s Corner

Royals manager Matt Quatraro wasn’t shocked by Velazquez’s big moment. He explained, “After seeing Gilbert throw a few sliders, it looked like he made a mistake with one, putting it right where Nelson could get a good hit. I didn’t catch the replay, but I bet that’s what happened.” Quatraro pinpointed this as the moment that turned the game around.

What This Win Means

This victory was a big deal—it evened out the series and set up an exciting finale. The Royals weren’t just fighting their rivals; they were also dealing with some health issues. Outfielder Kyle Isbel was sidelined with a stomach bug, and a few other players were also not at their best.

Looking Forward: The Series Finale

The upcoming series finale is shaping up to be a must-watch, with Royals’ Alec Marsh and Mariners’ Bryan Woo taking the mound. Both pitchers are just back from injuries. Marsh has been solid, sporting a 3-0 record and a 2.53 ERA against the Mariners before. Woo, on the other hand, will be facing the Royals for the first time, adding an extra layer of suspense.