Royals’ Cole Ragans sets club record in Opening Day start
Kansas City Royals beginning pitcher Cole Ragans did not get the win on Thursday in opposition to the Minnesota Twins, however he nonetheless etched his identify within the franchise file books.
Ragans was magnificent in opposition to the Twins, placing out 9 via six innings to move Danny Duffy (2017) and Wally Bunker (1970) for probably the most Okay’s on Opening Day in Royals historical past.
The prize of the Aroldis Chapman commerce with the Texas Rangers, Ragans allowed two earned runs off 5 hits and had some command points however appeared sturdy in opposition to the Twins total.
The stud left-hander responded to early adversity. After giving up a solo shot to 3rd baseman Royce Lewis and strolling shortstop Carlos Correa within the first inning, Ragans struck out 4 straight batters, together with the aspect within the prime of the second.
Thursday’s begin was encouraging for Ragans, who has had two Tommy John surgical procedures on his street to the Majors. Like anybody would, the 26-year-old had doubts if he would ever return to the mound. As he said earlier than making the Opening Day begin for the Royals, although, all that arduous work has paid off.
“By means of all of the TJ’s and stuff, yeah, there have been moments the place I used to be like, ‘Is all of it value it? Going via it?'” Ragans mentioned by way of Bally Sports Kansas City. “Now, trying again, clearly, very value it. Value each second of it.”
After all of the ups and downs, Ragans is on tempo to be the ace of the Royals employees. Armed with a flexible arsenal, together with a fastball that tops out at 101 mph, he may also be the most effective budding younger pitchers within the sport.