In a low-scoring game, the Kansas City Royals managed to break their slump and defeat the Detroit Tigers 1-0 on Tuesday night. Royals pitcher Daniel Lynch put on an impressive performance, allowing only one hit over seven innings to earn his first major league win in almost 11 months. Lynch had struggled in his previous starts, going 0-9 in 15 starts since his last win in August of the previous year. He struck out two batters and walked two, with the only hit against him being a single by Andy Ibañez in the fourth inning.
The Royals’ lone run came in the sixth inning when Matt Beaty, making his first start for the team, hit a double to drive in the decisive run. Tigers starter Michael Lorenzen pitched well, allowing just one run on six hits and three walks over six innings, but it wasn’t enough to secure the win. The Tigers had a chance to score in the eighth inning when Aroldis Chapman walked the bases loaded, but Spencer Torkelson grounded into an inning-ending force play.
In the ninth inning, the Tigers’ Javier Báez hit a double with one out, giving them a glimmer of hope, but Royals closer Scott Barlow retired the next two hitters to secure his eighth save of the season and complete the two-hit shutout.
The Tigers suffered their 10th shutout of the season and their sixth in their last 20 games, highlighting their offensive struggles. Both teams will meet again for the final game of their three-game series on Wednesday afternoon, with Detroit’s Matthew Boyd facing Kansas City’s Brady Singer on the mound.
After being designated for assignment by the Royals, pitcher Mike Mayers has cleared waivers and is heading back to the Omaha Storm Chasers, the team’s Triple-A affiliate. Mayers, a 31-year-old right-hander, had the option to declare free agency or accept the assignment to Omaha, and he chose the latter.
During his time with the Royals this season, Mayers struggled, posting a 6.15 ERA in six appearances, including two starts, spanning 26 1/3 innings. Despite clearing waivers, the Royals still have the option to recall Mayers if they require additional innings or a fresh arm. However, in order to bring him back to the major league roster, the team would need to make a corresponding move to open up a spot on the 40-man roster.
In Washington DC, the St. Louis Cardinals continued their winning streak with a 9-3 victory over the struggling Washington Nationals on Tuesday night. Dylan Carlson played a key role in the Cardinals’ win, hitting two home runs. His first homer, a two-run shot, opened the scoring in the second inning, and his second homer came in the seventh inning. It was Carlson’s first multi-homer game of the season.
Willson Contreras, who had been in a slump, broke out with a 3-for-4 performance, including two doubles. Contreras, who signed with the Cardinals in the offseason, had been struggling at the plate but had a strong game, driving in two runs.
Jordan Montgomery had a solid outing for the Cardinals, pitching seven innings and allowing just one run on four hits with six strikeouts. After a seven-game losing streak, Montgomery has now won two consecutive starts.
On the other side, MacKenzie Gore struggled for the Nationals, giving up five runs on nine hits in six innings. The Nationals have now lost five straight games and 13 of their last 15.
The Cardinals’ offense was firing on all cylinders, finishing the game with 14 hits. Paul DeJong also contributed with a two-run homer in the ninth inning.
The Cardinals, who are currently last in the NL Central, have now won four straight games and scored 30 runs during their winning streak. They have a chance to complete a series sweep against the Nationals and will then travel to London to face the Chicago Cubs in a two-game weekend series.
RHP Miles Mikolas is scheduled to start for the Cardinals in their pursuit of a sweep, while Trevor Williams will take the mound for the Nationals in the next game.
Other MLB scores from Tuesday, June 20, 2023:
Toronto 2, Miami 0
Houston 4, NY Mets 2
LA Dodgers 2, LA Angels 0
Baltimore 8, Tampa Bay 6
NY Yankees 3, Seattle 1
Cleveland 3, Oakland 2 (10)
Boston 10, Minnesota 4
Chicago White Sox 7, Texas 6
Atlanta 4, Philadelphia 2
Chicago Cubs 4, Pittsburgh 0
Cincinnati 8, Colorado 6 (Reds 10th straight win)
Milwaukee 7, Arizona 5
San Francisco 4, San Diego 3 (Giants 9th straight win)