Cole Ragans pitched seven innings without allowing any runs, Michael Massey and Maikel Garcia hit home runs, and the Kansas City Royals defeated the Oakland Athletics 6-2 on Friday night, extending the Athletics’ losing streak to six games.
Ragans, with a record of 3-3, only gave up two hits, walked two batters, and struck out seven. This was a strong comeback for him after a tough game against the Los Angeles Angels, where he allowed seven runs and eight hits. It’s the third time this season he’s had a scoreless start of at least six innings.
Chris Stratton and Matt Sauers completed the game with a four-hitter, marking the ninth time this season that Oakland has been limited to four hits or fewer.
During their six-game losing streak, Oakland has been outscored 36-6, dropping their overall record to 19-28. “We just need to keep working hard at the plate and find some offense,” said Oakland manager Mark Kotsay.
The Royals took the lead in the first inning when Salvador Perez hit a run-scoring single with two outs. Although Perez was initially called out by the first base umpire, a video review showed he beat the throw.
Massey’s two-run homer off Austin Adams and Garcia’s three-run homer off Brandon Bielak in the sixth inning contributed to the Royals’ victory.
“We were only up 1-0 going into that inning, so that was huge,” said Royals manager Matt Quatraro. “Massey’s homer gave us momentum, and things went from there. It was a pivotal moment in the game.”
Mitch Spence, with a record of 3-2, allowed only one run and five hits in 4 2/3 innings.
“I thought he did a nice job tonight,” said Kotsay. “To only give up one run over 4 2/3 innings and throw 75 pitches, that’s a great outing and what was expected. I thought he’d be able to do that.”
