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Gamethread 18: Royals at Tigers
TL;DR
The Kansas City Royals face the Detroit Tigers in a crucial game as they struggle with a 7-10 record, largely due to poor offensive performance. With a history of scoring 2 runs or less in many games, another loss could escalate frustrations within the team.
NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 15: Bobby Witt Jr. #7 of the Kansas City Royals takes the field wearing #42 in honor of Jackie Robinson during the game between the Kansas City Royals and the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium on Tuesday, April 15, 2025 in New York, New York. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images) | MLB Photos via Getty Images
If you read the little text under this article, I dubbed this a must win game for the Royals. While this is just game 18 on the season, this game tonight is huge for the vibes and direction of the team.
The Royals are 7-10 on the season, mostly because of inept offense, they’ve scored 2 runs or less in 10 of their first 17 games and in 6 of their last 7 games. When they hold a lead late, like last night, it’s a lot of pressure on the bullpen to be perfect, with no cushion, and it’s a blown lead late again, similar to Sunday.
If the Royals go out there and lose another game scoring 2 runs or less, it starts to build even more frustration offensively and then the pitching can’t continue to be as excellent as they have been, because they are under constant stress to be perfect, because of the poor offense.
Outside of the team, fans, especially the casual ones will keep losing interest in the ballclub, and April isn’t even over yet. The NFL Draft is next week, and we live in Chiefs country, so you know the casual fan will be tuned out quickly if things don’t turn around soon.
Good thing is, like me, most of you are diehard fans and we are in it until game 162 concludes or further beyond that. Tonight the Royals are sending Seth Lugo to the mound, he has been phenomenal all season long. The veteran right-hander has churned out good start after good start this season. If he does that again tonight, the Royals are in business to even this series up.
Here is the starting lineup behind Lugo.
As for the Tigers, they got off to an abysmal start, 4-9, including being swept in a four-game series by the Twins, who are winning the division… what??? Since then, they’ve won four straight games after sweeping the Marlins at home and rallying last night to beat Kansas City. They are 6-1 at home this season.
Right hander Jack Flaherty starts for Detroit. After two rough starts, his last outing in Minnesota was a good one, allowing just one run over 5.2 innings.
Here is the starting lineup behind Flaherty.
Also, today is Jackie Robinson Day, so everyone will be donned with 42 as their number. It’s a very special and historic day in baseball history, hopefully the Royals can break out tonight. First pitch is scheduled for 5:40 p.m. CT, the game can be streamed on Royals.TV.
Q&A
What is the current record of the Kansas City Royals as of April 15, 2025?
The Kansas City Royals have a record of 7-10 as of April 15, 2025.
Why is the game against the Tigers considered a must-win for the Royals?
The game is deemed a must-win due to the Royals' ongoing struggles with scoring, which has led to increased pressure on their pitching staff.
How many times have the Royals scored 2 runs or less in their first 17 games?
The Royals have scored 2 runs or less in 10 of their first 17 games.
What impact does poor offensive performance have on the Royals' pitching?
Poor offensive performance puts immense pressure on the bullpen, as they must maintain leads without any scoring cushion, leading to potential stress and mistakes.
