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Royals’ Bobby Witt Jr. Looks to Start Streak Anew Against Tigers
Royals star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. saw his 15-game hitting streak come to an end on Saturday night. As Kansas City wraps up their four-game series against the Detroit Tigers on Sunday afternoon, Witt is looking to start a new streak and lead his team to victory.
Bobby Witt Jr.’s Impact
Bobby Witt Jr. went 0-for-4 with a sacrifice fly in Saturday’s 6-5, 11-inning loss to the Tigers. Despite this, Witt remains a strong contender for the American League Most Valuable Player award, hitting .345 and leading the majors in batting average. With 20 homers and 79 RBIs this season, Witt is a significant threat at the plate.
Manager A.J. Hinch’s Perspective
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch had high praise for Witt’s talents and potential. “He’s the face of baseball moving forward, or at least part of the face along with a lot of other good players, and I don’t say that lightly,” Hinch said. Witt’s combination of hitting, power, and speed makes him a generational player.
Pitching Matchup: Michael Wacha vs. Brant Hurter
Michael Wacha
Michael Wacha (8-6, 3.58 ERA) will start for the Royals. Wacha has been rock solid, not allowing more than three earned runs in his past 12 outings. In his last three starts, he faced the Chicago White Sox twice, securing two wins. Against the Tigers this season, Wacha has a 1-1 record. He allowed four runs and nine hits in a 4-1 loss on April 28 but bounced back with a win on May 20, allowing two runs and six hits in seven innings. Wacha holds a 2-1 record with a 3.21 ERA in five career outings against Detroit.
Brant Hurter
The Tigers are expected to start left-hander Brant Hurter, making his major league debut. Hurter has played 19 games with Triple-A Toledo, recording a 2-4 record with a 5.80 ERA. He has allowed 82 hits in 71 1/3 innings while striking out 70.
Key Players and Performances
Parker Meadows
Activated from the injured list, Meadows made a significant impact with a sliding catch in the 10th inning and a game-tying triple in the 11th. He scored the winning run on Wenceel Perez’s single. Despite his contribution, Meadows might sit out Sunday’s game.
Vinnie Pasquantino
Pasquantino hit his fourth homer in four games for the Royals, showcasing his power at the plate.
Paul DeJong
DeJong, acquired from the Chicago White Sox at the trade deadline, hit his 19th homer of the season, temporarily giving the Royals the lead in the seventh inning. “He just hung a splitter, and I was able to hit a nice line drive,” DeJong said about his homer.
Game Insights
- Royals’ Offensive Power: With Witt, Pasquantino, and DeJong showing their strength, the Royals have significant offensive power that could be crucial in the series finale.
- Pitching Duel: Wacha’s consistency and Hurter’s debut add an interesting dynamic to the pitching matchup. Wacha’s experience could give the Royals an edge, while Hurter’s debut could bring an element of surprise.
- Tigers’ Resilience: The Tigers broke a five-game losing streak on Saturday and will look to build on that momentum. Contributions from players like Meadows and Perez will be key.
Conclusion
As the Royals and Tigers prepare for the series finale, the game promises to be competitive. Bobby Witt Jr. aims to start a new hitting streak and lead the Royals to victory, while the Tigers look to build on their recent win. With key players and intriguing pitching matchups, fans can expect an exciting and high-stakes game.
