MLB Kansas City Royals vs Houston Astros FULL GAME - 30.08.2024

[Applause] [Music] [Music] back in Houston at minute made park for game two of a four game series between the Kansas City Royals and the Houston Astros thanks for joining us at the Ballpark tonight along with Rex hudler I'm Jake Eisenberg well last night's loss hinged on a very painful play for the Royals in the eighth inning but what followed was excruciating news of Vinnie P quentino has a fractured right thumb and HUD he's out six to8 weeks painful for Vinnie painful for the team but they'll have to find a way to overcome But Not only was this play here costly for the Royals and they lose Vinnie Pas mintino they also lost the game but you know these guys are real good at letting the bad go and bringing on the new these two these three guys in the middle of the order have been great two three four Junior pasquantino salvi they have 123 games all played together and it's worked nicely look at these numbers and how great they've been it's been fantastic to see these guys all perform but they'll have to find a way to get around Vinnie's injury I'm back with tro spoke earlier this afternoon about how the Royals will now move forward Vinnie's a great run producer he's been in the middle of our order all year and that doesn't we don't want to lose sight of that but part of the reason he's producing Those runs is because other guys are getting on base for him to produce them so that team concept has to continue no one person is going to carry the weight of Vinnie uh on a daily basis but we have plenty of good other major league players here to contribute to winning baseball now Vinnie joins a handful of other Royals currently on the injured list this is our injury report update brought to you by the University of Kansas Health System Michael lenen went down with the left hamstring strain on Tuesday and so the Royals at least recently have had to deal with the nextmen up mentality now they even need it even more with Vinnie pastino on the injured list for the foreseeable future tonight the Royals try to get even in this series and they've got Seth Lugo on the mound it's ramber Valdez on the hill for the Astros game two in Houston [Music] tonight last night they only lost a half game in the standings the Guardians were off yesterday and so the Royals entered tonight one and a half games behind the Cleveland Guardians for first place in the American League Central man Seth Lugo is on the mound back earlier in April he faced the Astros and turning one of his 18 quality starts against him oh how about reliving that outing that's been fantastic now he's kind of scuffled a little bit the last two starts there compared to what he was in the first half of the season when he was facing these Astros but look he's got the goods if V's KN down he just got to have better location and he's facing a good one Robert Valdez this guy's outstanding he is a worm burner that's what I like to call him a sinker baller and he is tough he'll throw he's got high velocity and he's a guy who likes to pitch the contact but man the RS have got to find a way and find some holes against the Sinker ball pitcher the highest ground ball rate in the League this year from prur Valdez last night's game was all about the big hits Jason Hayward had one in his Astros debut Kyle Isbell had the big hit for the Royals but the Astros got the big hits when they mattered most and took game one tonight game two between the Royals and Astros did you know taking zizol at night relieves allergies while you sleep so you wait brought to you by Menards save big money at Menards on all your home improvement needs and by Toyota visit your Kansas City area Toyota dealer today or visit them at toyota.com Toyota Let's Go [Music] Places back inside minute made Park in tonight G game two of a four game series between the Royals and the Astros the Royals lost last night's game in painful fashion a 6 to3 defeat and the Royals also lost Vinnie pasquantino for 6 to8 weeks with the broken right thumb Lucas EG is dayto day so here's the Royals lineup tonight it's been Vinnie pasquantino in that third spot for most of the Season tonight it's Salvador Perez Paul D young moves up to hit in the cleanup spot this is just the seventh time this year that salvi has been in the third spot in the the lineup and the first time since June 10th that he slotted in right behind Bobby whid Jr Hey look it's time to scramble it up a little bit going to have to you know move some guys around here it's going to be tough to pick up for the for Pas Squatch man he left a a big mark on this ball Club but the good thing is is that once he's fixed and they got him in a cast or whatever they're going to do he'll be back with the team so he just won't be out there playing it is an all right-handed lineup for the Royals tonight against Lefty fber Valdez he's on the mound he's making his 24th start of the Season he's been one of the best pitchers in the American League since he came off the injured list in late April a 327 erra 143 in a third Innings he's doing what he's done over the course of his career that's right especially bringing those ground balls he's a prolific ground ball guy he's a sinker baller so it'll be interesting but when when You Face a sinker baller you got to find a hole that's all you can do you're going to hit some ground balls you just hope that they get through the the infield and that's what you're doing stat cast powered by Google Cloud going to show you that Arsenal let Sinker curveball change up slider for seamer he's mainly Whitted it down just to three pitches fast ball curveball change up he's kind of gone back to Old School working that Sinker he eliminated the cutter but that big curve and that change up those top three that's what he'll be using against the Royals and so what you do you move up in the Box as a batter or you just look him up make him get the ball [Music] up defensively behind him with Jason Hayward out there he had 49 starts in right field for the Dodgers this season and he made his first last night for the Astros and he got a big hit oh by the way he's a five time gold Glover in the infield Jose altuve's got one gold glove he got that in 15 but he's a three-time batting champ nine time Allstar he is one of their leaders in the infield for sure here are the umpires for tonight's game that's Dan Bolino he's the crew chief and he's behind home plate Tonight Phil kzy is the Umpire at first base Tony Randazzo is the Umpire at second base and Alex toy is the Umpire at third base tonight Michel Garcia is leading off for the Royals tonight here's the Home Depot getting it done Michael Garcia has been getting it done he's seven for his last 11 a look he's starting to heat up because he's being aggressive he's not up there taking pitches for a walk now he'll take his walks he's gotten a few of those but he's swinging the bat and with that batad staying in that zone a long time he's getting hits to right field and left field he and the firminator have similar swings it's a 243 average for Garcia overall this season but he's batting 281 since the All-Star break it's Garcia Whit and salvi to start the top of the first and fber Valdez begins tonight's game with a sinker a little bit high for ball one yeah now that's that'll be his average he's right there you might see a 98 but he's comfortable 94 95 and sometimes when you overthrow it straightens the ball out just look him in the middle good swing shot foul one ball one strike on Michael Garcia going to give you something to hit every time you're up there he comes after you you're not trying to pitch around anyone now the key is also to get him he can be rattled okay whether something happens on the bases little bouncer up the middle Jeremy Peña charges and flicks it over to first one up one down or one of his Defenders boot a ball or an air or something sometimes he he gets rattled he's still you know very very volatile when it comes to that the emotional part of the game well maybe Bobby Wood Jr can cause some Havoc yeah he was held without a hit yesterday 0 for four but he hasn't been held hitless in back-to-back games since very late June that's almost that's unheard of it's over two months ago come on and the last time Bobby would Junior was held hitless in back-to-back games was this last two games up in Arlington in Texas for the Royals return from that road trip in the air right and Jason Hayward floats back two outs he now that's another good idea too I mean when you're facing a sinker baller and you're going to automatically want to pull him he's a left-hander so right-handers are going to pull most of the time that's where he gets his ground balls think opposite field that keeps your hands inside the ball you you don't roll them over easy enough for a ground ball on the left side so now salvi again batting third in the lineup for the first time since June 10th the Royals had had Bobby wit Jr Vinnie pasquantino and Salvador Perez hit 2 three and four in the lineup this season in 123 games now this is game 136 of the year for the Royals and that's the kind of consistency that Trio has had and that's the kind of consistency that the Royals now lack with pastino's absence yeah so two choices what are you you can't grieve that very long in this business you've got to be able to just lock it up and step up somebody's going to have to pull on the hit his end of the Rope it's [Music] painful well Matt quatero said it JJ Pico said it with Jolan Monty injuries happen other teams deal with injuries too there's no question though that this one for the Royals comes at a tough time amidst a playoff push the onew and Sal's out in front of the curb ball for strike three it's a one two three top of the first for from [Applause] [Music] valz now admitted made Park there's Jose Altuve he's set to lead off for the Astros he's been doing it a long time and yordan Alvarez is right behind him he hasn't been doing it as long but he's been doing it really really well especially in the month of August he's reached base safely every single game this month that includes his two for four yesterday one of the best in the business no doubt and there's Seth Lugo he makes his 28th start of the Season his 319 erra fourth best in the American [Applause] League popped up toward the back stop Freddy fine gives it a look well that's about three rows deep one ball one strike on Altuve yeah too bad that didn't stay in that a nice get him out on an early pitch so Lugo he he knows facing a team like this has been pretty hot they're playing much better baseball than he the last time he faced him several months ago and he's going to have to be pretty good with that command in location changing speeds like he typically does now Lugo delivered a quality start against the Astros but that was all the way back in April yeah and you know o yeah that'll work Altuve just got clicked by the change up and so the Astros have their first base runner no no no no no it was a foul tip oh foul tip yeah that'll work he they got him okay forward Around the Horn Royals defense Blanco and hamson they get their starts out there in left field and in center field against lefties and that's what curo has been doing a lot lately and South Perez over there at first base let me brag about him a little bit he has been brilliant this year defensively at as a catcher first baseman he has a 998 Fielding percentage as a catcher just one erir this year and the first baseman Flawless in 31 starts the captain has got to get some gold somewhere Alvarez fouls it straight back and it counts now 0 and two I'll give you another one on salvi Hood because I know you like outs above average yeah I've heard that you've learned how to use Savant that's right you you and Harve John Harvey's helped me out too but I appreciate that so salvi is plus four outs above average at first base yes that's fourth best in Major League Baseball outstanding among first baseman that have had as many opportunities as he [Music] has swung on and Miss strike three High cutter sends Alvarez back to the Dugout and Lugo is struck out both that he's faced tonight wow so when Alvarez strikes out it's like when when Bobby baseball strikes out you're like what did I just see he you could strike him out that's how good these guys are brings up Yer Diaz he was right in the middle of all of it in in the eighth inning yesterday now Diaz hit the comebacker to the mound that EG tried to field with his bare right hand and then threw errantly to First the Astros tied the game on that play and then went on to win fortunately the ball off the bat wasn't hit that hard it was a one hopper wasn't some of those balls that go screaming out there at 100 plus so that was fortunate for him could have been two down two guys down yeah it's a right hand contusion for Lucas IG he's dayto day 2-1 to Diaz bounced over the mound Garcia is in perfect position behind the bag and set Lugo has a one two three bottom of the [Applause] [Music] first in Houston and nice to see Lucas ers EG out there certainly not the way he wanted things to go last night but as the guys mentioned dayto day that ball hit him right underneath the middle finger and the top of the Palm he had some swelling today x-rays were negative last night that day today could be as soon as tomorrow JJ Picolo is saying it's possible Lucas could be ready to go tomorrow as for Lucas's mindset and we've gotten to know him over the last month he really cares so much and he told me this afternoon I feel like it was my fault at that play ended up happening the way it did it's a big blow for us I'm trying to stay positive about the situation just like Vinnie is trying to stay positive about the situation we're just going to have to move forward and that is certainly the game of baseball but I think very interesting and not surprising though guys at all that Lucas said to me that while he was trying to console Vinnie last night about that injury Vinnie was trying to console Lucas about saying hey I don't blame you at all it's not your fault good teammates supporting each other better believe it Joe and the many things that I'm impressed with with this year's team is their accountability and the fact that you know I mean that is a tough tough position to be able to interview and say the right things when you're emotionally distraught when you lose one of your best players and for Lucas to be able to stand up there and contain his emotions really and not get all emotional like I probably would but he did he did the right thing it's time to move on it wasn't his fault he didn't plan it he didn't mean that or anything but I like how he handled it thanks very much Joel yeah you could really sense the remorse you could see it on his face and you can hear in his thoughts as well yeah 22 to Paul D young just wide of the bag at third still two balls and two [Music] strikes our likely wouldn't have ped pitch today anyway having pitched each of the last two days so depending on how his hand is feeling tomorrow may be available tomorrow another 2 two [Applause] little bit inside three balls two strikes Valdez you know he he's not a big guy but he sure throws like he is he's just 5'11 he's 230 there's a walk Royals have their first base runner yeah nice plate appearance there for sure well he's been on a roll lately this is what fber Valdez has done his last 12 starts 262 erra he's held opponents to a 208 average when the Astros were at kopfman Stadium this year he was placed on the injured list he had left elbow inflammation there were fears that he might be done for the season there were fears that that might lead to needing Tommy John surgery ultimately he was only out a few weeks he rejoined the Astros in late April he's been really really good ever since on the ground is short pñ has got it there's it out at second altuve's relay gets it out at first as well and kber Valdez induces his major league leading 29th ground ball double play yeah so because you have such a a guy that has such great ability to to induce ground balls I think Q's already thought about you're going to have to move some Runners have to you know let let the runners move can stay out of double plays when they get on base that's the only way you're going to prevent those that or offensively you've got to think opposite field that keeps you out of double plays well there are two things that go hand in hand inducing double plays and well simply getting ground balls to begin with Valdez has the highest ground ball rate of any starter in the game highest ground ball rate in the American League so here's Nick Lofton he was called up today as part of the roster move to put Vinnie pasquantino on the injured list lofton's been with tripa Omaha for the last month he's been playing really well with the stormchasers 358 average this month five doubles a couple of homers more walks than strikeouts at the triaa level that's impressive those are numbers that get you called up even without an injury 25-year-old from Corpus Christie not too far from here yeah let's just hope he can you know just add without trying to be extra just be yourself he's he's in the middle of the field a lot with his approach he's got Alli power now Lofton has played at this ballpark before he was here with the Royals last season roll softly to third duban charges and he throws a strike to end the inning couple of ground balls get Valdez all three outs and the Royals are done in the [Music] second it's a career high in Innings pitched for him 173 I think the media is making more of it than than he is and but previous high was 146 and a third okay well this has been such a super year for him and he's getting so many reps and fortunately his health has been there but he sounds he feels good he he sounds good he he'll he'll touch a 95 there's not really much they can do but the first 18 starts of the year he was nails now the last seven you know what's been the difference flyball to left and dryon Blancos is in the perfect spot one up one down elevation elevation is the is the pitcher's worst enemy when you elevate to these big league hitters that's all really most of them can hit and they are all over it they rarely miss it so if your mechanics are off or or your location any of that stuff you know he's going to get hit and that's what's been happening in the last nine starts well the first start in that stretch of the last nine was his start against the Red Sox at Fenway right before the All-Star break there's strike one on Jeremy Peña and so it's since that start before the All-Star break and then since the All-Star break which does include his complete game against the white socks yeah and his curveball which is the highest spin rate on the curve in baseball has been hanging it's been up in the zone they're hitting it when earlier he was keeping the ball down and they were hitting soft balls to the infield like that one line to short and Bobby wood Jr's got it two outs when we saw the Phillies have some success against Lugo and his curveball his last timeout Lugo wound up allowing a career high 11 hits in that start against the Phillies that was over five in the third Innings so if you go look if you rewatch that game you look at all those pitches in the middle all his curve balls they were all middle now the other thing you'll see when you watch that game of the 11 hits that he allowed five of them were infield hits One Bun single and then four infield tricklers that's some bad luck on the ground to First and Salvador Perez takes care of it himself and Seth Lugo retires the Astros in order for his second straight [Applause] [Music] inning season ticket deposit you'll secure your place in line for potential home postseason games place your deposit today at royals.com season tickets drron Blanco starts the top of the third and Valdez gets him out in front on a change up so a sinker baller with his fast ball curveball change up those are all pitches that are going to get hitters out front out front and pull mode they're going to want to pull those because they're he a left-hander and it's coming in to the righty batters so if especially with Runners on if they get any more on there they've got to have an opposite field approach to stay away from those double plays that he leads the league in they're going to have to adjust that or find a way to get underneath them Crawford box is real real close we talked about that last night get underneath oh those Full Count now on Blanco now the Royals faced Valdez last year he made back-to-back starts against the Royals there strike three and blon goes down one away [Music] look at the sharp break on that that is sharp it looked good and you can't pick up the rotation on it the hit her that was belt High wono said I'm going to get it and then at the last minute that ball it sunk down about 6 Ines first one home to Garrett hson is just away ball one so you saw those two starts for fber Valdez against the Royals last year he had a really good start at Coffman Stadium but the Royals got to him here at minute made Park they tagged him for seven runs in five and a third Innings it was his second to last start of the season I remember that something happened uh on the field and he got frustrated and he lost his Focus just like I said it can happen that one of them starts that did happen and the Royals had four runs in the first inning against him in that game Bobby Whit Jr tripled MJ Melendez had an RBI single Edward olivaris had an RBI double and then Nick Lofton played the final run of that Inning on a sacrific fly two2 to hampson and he spoils a curveball to stay alive backto back CS for fber Valdez and both on the curveball yep he's he he's got three excellent pitches that's a perfectly located spot and even if he didn't swing at it it was going to be an out strike out ball one on Tyler Gentry Yer Diaz double clutched his throw back to the mound he thought it was a strike Gentry still looking for his first big league hit 0 for three so far at the major league level he's making his second career start tonight he started game one of the double header on Monday and went 0 for two his first Big League at bat came as a pinch hitter on Sunday at Coffman stadium that was his major league debut Sinker for a strike two and one that's a good take didn't want that one wait for one a little bit better might as well hit a home run for your first hit that take aim at the train track I mean that that's a pretty good shot to get it up there but still hey that Crawford box is very inviting at 315 down the left field line here's the 3-1 and gentry comes up empty three and two yep down in the zone 94 now Valdez has faced the minimum so far tonight Royals got a leadoff walk in the second that was erased on a double play and gentry pops up a curveball out of Play Still three and two yeah seeing pitches that's good another payoff pitch and gentry swings and misses strike three robber Valdez strikes out the side all with curves in the [Music] third Collectibles and more gear up with your Royals atob shop.com we had a pitcher duel last night the beginning of the game and all through the middle but hey we might be in for another one tonight yeah so far as advertised man between Seth Lugo and fber Valdez so hard to hit when a pitching pitch is really good hitting the spots changing speeds Little V subtracting it adding it it's hard when you were in games like these where two pitchers really on their game you know they're going to going to be tough did you ever get a sense in The Dugout that runs were going to be at a premium and that getting one run might really be all the difference oh yeah that was discussed in our pregame meetings before the game even started so what do you do well if you have any Bunning skills you might bunt on the pitcher get him off the mound you know get him uncomfortable get his wind going high drive deep to left and into the Crawford boxes for a home run a b Gap continues his Houston Surge and the Astros strike first tonight Royals down one nothing in the bottom of the [Applause] third yeah I mean that was a a high fast ball gaml was looking up there and that's what the worlds going to have to do against Valdez they're going to have to look him up see where the firminator set that's middle and last night I mentioned about gaml being successful going the other way a lot since he's been with the Astros here for over a week not trying to pull anything just going the other way and he was rewarded with a good swing on that pitch there that's his first home run as a member of the Astros this is just his ninth game with the Astros they claimed him off waivers from the Mets back on August 20th he is now 11 for 27 since is joining the Astros duban slices it right past Garcia and into right field so that's back-to-back batters that have G after the first pitch it's a base hit for dubon and that turns the lineup over for Altuve got a lot on it hting hard Garcia couldn't quite get to it couldn't get down in the dirt quick [Applause] [Music] [Applause] enough altu struck out on a foul tip his first time up entered tonight hitting 297 it's among the best in the American League he has a career average of 306 which is the best among active [Applause] [Applause] players now a nine-time Allstar just like his fellow Venezuelan Salvador Perez slow roller D Young's got it only play at first but Altuve beats the throw infield hit for Jose Altuve a hitter knows the minute he tops the ball softly like that they all take off like a rocket out of the box because they want that infield hit and Altuve same thing here that pitch look at him he he's going hard all the way and you there's no way you can throw a guy out like that that gets that kind of running hit out of the box see how he's running as he was hitting it his 226th career hit and now yordon Alvarez drives one to Center but playable for Garen hson he makes the catch for the second out and dubon goes to third on the play so we've seen an aggressive approach from the Astros in this inning three of the five hitters have all put the first pitch in play well they know he's he's a first ball fastball pitcher most for the most part tries to get ahead and when an offense knows that they're going to go up there swinging early and just being hopeful that they find holes Yer Diaz has been one of the best with runners in scoring position this year it's pretty good number for such a young player this his second [Music] year LA to short right at Bobby thank you he grabs it to end the inning and lugos strands a pair of the Astros strike on the [Applause] be one of the first 5,000 fans to the K on Monday and receive a bring out the blue Charlie hustle t-shirt scan the code on the screen or visit royals.com bring outthe blue off to the fourth inning in Texas the Royals Trail one nothing Seth Lugo navigated some traffic in the third he did allow leadoff home run to Ben gaml into the very first row with the Crawford boxes the home run that gaml hit only traveled 356 ft yeah it's inviting no wonder when he joined the Astros he saw that porch out there and started saying you know I'm going to start staying inside the ball and looking if I can reach that and that's what he's been doing meanwhile Valdez has faced the minimum through three innings Royals offense has been a walk from Paul D young in the second inning well you know also the important thing to know about gaml is he can make those adjustments he's a 9-year veteran he's been around he knows how to make adjustments gamel's been with the Yankees Mariners Brewers Guardians Pirates last year he was with the Padres this year he was with the Mets he's in AAA with the Mets for most of this year and now he's making a playoff push with the Astros yeah congratulations to him the more teams you play with the more people you get to meet they're Hall of Famers you get to know their their folks there people who have come through their history it's a real blessing I know there's a lot of guys out there that want to be on their you know the same team they they they've been on their whole career and that's fine but you're not meeting as many people as guys are that travel around there's nothing wrong with that now Garcia spoils another one still one and two punch to right and Hayward lines it up that's the approach we're talking about right there good swing brings up Bobby Whit Jr with one out and here's a message from Jungle law are you lost in that legal jungle call the law man a jungle law called the law man have you been injured in a car accident she's real good 50th pitch for framber Valdez and bobb's out in front no balls in a strike FL out to right field back in the first inning yeah you don't see too many of his Valdez his pitches up there 95 up he overthrows those he wants them down that's where he [Music] works a back door breaker there and the curveball has been a massive weapon for him especially lately he's been throwing in more and more especially since the start of July he's really increased that curve ball usage it's jumped by over 10% it's the second highest in baseball over his last nine starts only guy who's thrown the curveball more often is Charlie Morton a Bonafide curveball artist oh he's found a nice release point with that he's got a good spin rate on it too it's got to be right up there one two an on and Miss strike three so Valdez has his fifth strike out and there are two gone in the top of the four hard to predict and there's the change up watch it move the other way and down curveballs coming in two seamers going away as well and that that change there nasty especially when he locates it down there and with that uptick in the curveball usage has come and uptick in the strikeouts he's got five strikeouts tonight in three and 2/3 over his last nine starts he's got 71 strikeouts in right around 60 Innings his first 14 starts he had 68 strikeouts in 85 Innings so the strikeout rate has gone way up too he's gotten healthier towered but well fouled oh that landed in the upper deck too bad way to Tad longer if that stayed Fair it might have broken a window well his only hit he has off of Valdez was a homer two-run shot he's one for six two and two he's got an excellent movement on his pitches besides changing speeds and locating broken bat grounder right back to Valdez he juggles tosses the first and the Royals go down in order Valdez has faced the minimum now through four [Music] innings tickets include a 24 zce beer and a ticket to the Brew in view space it's perfect for an easy night out or a budget-minded baseball fan scan the code on the screen or visit royals.com brewview I think that guy was trying to scan the code on the screen right there yeah good luck yeah he is o and one on Victor kartini leading off the bottom of the fourth and he takes inside one ball one strike karantini is a switch hitter he had a pinch H single in the Astros 4run eighth inning yesterday he was later thrown out of the plate on a force out beautiful curve from Seth Lugal he's got his third strike out of the night yeah locating it right now this is where he wants it now that's that's a little in it fooled him too because of all the pitches that he has but that's a really nice moving curve top of the Zone on the outer half down and in Pena smacks one deep to left Center and it's off the bottom of the fence some weird angles in that area Blanco plays the Ricochet well p is already at second with a double yeah left Center he's all over this one see how that's Bel high right over the middle of the plate didn't fool him he waited long and he trusted his hands yeah there are some nooks and crannies out there that can be very difficult and can allow extra bases if you're not careful Royals bullpen got a closeup View and now here's Jason Hayward with the fifth team that he's ever played with at the big league level over her 15-year Major League career yeah I told you about his five time gold Glover as well used to really have a great arm in Chicago smaller ballpark he still has a good arm but it's not quite as good as it was I mean he's a little bit past his prime but still productive and you see how far he is away from the plate it's because he's 65 he's got long arms long legs and he knows that he can get those arms extended out there so he's off the plate there's off the plate and then there's that yeah you don't see that very often that's those are the reasons that's where I stood in little Le cuz I didn't want to get hit you 80 90% of them don't feel bad but he basically turns that inner third of the plate into his wheelhouse right yanked foul into the netting three and two but you saw where that pitch was right over the inner edge of the plate well because of where Jason haward standing that almost looks like it's down the middle to him those guys that are tall and long they they can back off the plate a little bit or if they're up on the plate where normal guys stand they they're susceptible to be getting Jam pitches jammed there's a good pitch there top of the Zone fast ball up got Hayward swinging two outs Hayward was looking for something else and he was behind that [Applause] pitch so now Ben gaml who Homer his first time up that's the only run of this game was a line drive into the first row of seats on top of the Crawford boxes in left so let's check out the T-Mobile coverage cam hey the thir last night my goodness how about that look at those hands getting extended out there wow that was some kind of a swing that right there is a guy who's working on the opposite field we told you and now he's rung up called strike three Lugo sends him packing on three pitches and Lugo strikes out three in a scoreless fourth young set a lead off the fifth inning and he has had a knack for some big plays they could certainly use one of those home run right now talking to JJ Picolo about him he looked back to that home run in the game in Detroit that they ended up losing an extra innings had one earlier on this road trip a couple of them recently that have really been game changers he's got a little bit of that bend there done that about him and that's one of the reasons why they went out there and they got Paul D young not just for the right-handed power off of the bench or now on a regular basis but because they knew he would fit in here he sounds like JJ Picolo said a guy that has been with this group in the fight with this team all year long that's some of the leadership that they're looking for and Paul D young echoing that today to me in light of the news of Vinnie pasquantino saying we've got to keep going out there doing what we're doing keep on fighting and keep pushing forward one other interesting note guys JJ telling me that they considered at least looking at D young over at first base as well as of right now they're going to keep him over on the left side but they'll certainly keep options open at first basee he wouldn't have any problems Joel thank you he'd be good over there he's a natural left side of the infield guy he's got Good Feet got a good glove basically it's just a game of catch if you have soft hands you can be good at it but you know you can't it's hard to to produce Off the Bench when you don't have any service time and you have don't have no experience so they got the right guy whether he's an everyday player or Off the Bench 3-1 Cho a short and Jeremy Peña gets what looked like an in between up and makes the play one away now D young has become an everyday player with the way that he swung the bat and he's been solid defensively as well Royals are still looking for their first hit against fber Valdez maybe it comes from Freddy fine he bounced into a double play his first time up on the ground toward the hole Peña back hands jump throw to first in time to get for mean wow what a play from Jeremy Peña yeah he was all set up for that catcher running coming down the line and we know when he got that ball at the right time using his right leg to throw off of and that'll be a highlight rate take off of his left foot watch him use his left foot to jump got to get some leverage one hopper works ah looking valz that won't rattle him that'll make him pumped so two up two down pay is fielded both grounders and now Nick Lofton bounces one to third dubon charges throws on the run in time to get him the left side of the Astros infield makes all three plays and the Royals are down in order [Applause] [Music] [Applause] again bottom of the fifth inning now at minute made Park was Astros manager Joe is spot talking with home plate umpire Dan Bolino spot is in his first season as Astros manager it's previously their bench coach under Dusty Baker for The Last 5 Years yeah he's got some guys out there that are veterans especially as base coaches Dave Clark longtime big leager longtime coach of over there at first base of course Gary Pettis was a fantastic go glove center fielder for the angels in his day he's the third base coach had a play off to the right one and two on Jake Meyers now Joe spot Once Upon a Time was a member of the Royals organization he was the everyday second baseman for the 2002 Omaha team his manager was Bucky D up at Rosen BL stadium that Year beautiful Seth Lugo puts away Jake Meyers sixks now for Lugo yeah his stuff is much better this afternoon here now he he got a little help there but the firminator made that look good so you got to credit Freddy for helping frame that up now strike one on Mauricio dubon on the ground to the right side salvi feeds Lugo two [Applause] outs two up two down for Seth Lugo in the fifth now a message from the Kansas City Toyota deal [Applause] dear unbreakable Spirit you roam on paths called impossible own a legend Toyota trucks Toyota Let's Go Places Seth Lugo begins his third trip through the Astros lineup he's been very efficient so far tonight only thrown 54 pitches now yeah those you know getting a lot of first patch first pitch swings that's to his credit and his reputation altuve's one for two his single in the last inning was an infield hit Seth Lugo certainly fell victim to a handful of those in his start against the Phillies the O2 couldn't get get him to chase one ball two strikes almost got him to chase that time two and two [Applause] yordon Alvarez Waits on Deck hey now Seth Lugo he's unlike any other pitcher okay nine pitches check it out okay he uses all of them too look at this and this is tonight this is what he's used in this Arsenal Nobody Does that a pitching coach SE that line and he says young man we're going to simplify you just need three to four pitches that's all not Lugo you go we [Music] go inning fber Valdez got some good defense over there on that left side there it is that's a beauty that's a highlight tail tape there that's a great play by paa okay now Chopper coming in hey duban says you know what bregman's our guy but I I can fill in for him whenever he needs the rest nice play there so you see what he's done a lot lot of zeros not one hit yet giving up to the Royals I would say that's too many zeros wouldn't you well yeah about ready to change here Tyrone Blanco leads off the top of the sixth inning they're still in the second time through the order on fber he's faced the minimum through five innings the Royals only base runner was was a Paul D young leadoff walk back in the second Valdez has retired each of the last 11 he's faced yeah the next batter was fine and he grounded into a 643 eliminated that right away at last inning for Valdez the fifth was his quickest he needed just eight pitches and some help from the left side of his infield now defensively this season the Astros have been right around League average The Outfield defense has been much much better than the infield defense a lot of that is Jake Meers in center but on the infield now Jeremy P won a gold glove a couple of years ago but this season he's minus four outs above average be on for your short stop there you go they'll take a walk for your short stop to not have any above average it's not good how about how about 17 errors too he's had better Fielding years still can make a great play like he did in the last inning mhm it's a tough position cool all right we talked about the double plays there's nobody out the Royals they've got to be able to find a way and he's quick home so he'll be tough to steal off of but he's still got to run him you got to think about moving him yeah watch out rip to short Blanco gets back to first too bad it just can't get elevation on good swing he sat right on him that was maybe the hardest hit ball of the night against Valdez sure enough he sat on that pitch and he got it but just couldn't get in the [Applause] Gap got to look to elevate him this will be a great time for Tyler Gentry's first big league hit Blanco takes off pitches inside throw to second skips into Center Blanco's got a stolen base and he stays put at second 25th steal not the best jump either but he's moving because you stay out of the double play that's exactly what you got to do see the one thing you could do to combat his great Sinker and ground ball rate you've got to move him now get him in find a hole have to shorten up that swing a little bit swing looking a little long just get that hit get that hit and then you can move on from there kind of winds up you can tell he's got a power swing right here right here all you got to do is just cut the swing down and shorten up it shorten it up and put it in play and find a hole and get you knock and a riby takes the change up down and away and it's two and one Gentry struck out on a curveball his first time up Bas hit scores a run with Blanco's speed Bas hit ties the gate game royals down one nothing top of the sixth Gentry Skies it all the way to the roof and Jeremy Peña waits for it to come down two [Applause] outs so it's up to Michael Garcia 0 for two with a ground out and a line out to right field he did Elevate the ball as last time [Applause] up bouncer up the middle Pena snags it and and the inning is over the Royals get a runner to second but the Royals have been held hitless through [Music] six and by Hyundai visit your Kansas City Hyundai [Music] dealer first pitch to yordon Alvarez and he takes a curveball for a strike it's own and one to start the bottom of the sixth still a one- nothing game the difference has been Ben gamls home run back in the third and the Royals have been held hitless through six Innings by left-hander framber [Music] Valdez now that's the pitch that Lugo struck out Alvarez with back in the first inning didn't get him that time oh little dribbler and again an infield hit against Seth Lugo I mean against a guy like that it's almost a win I mean big guy like that are you kidding me take that hit at 31 mph exit V that happens and I guarantee you he'll take it as hard as he hits that ball should be a shame that might be yordan Alvarez's softest hit of the Season I'm just kidding no hitter would not take that they'll take that every day of the week are you kidding me that extends Alvarez's on base streak to 23 games he's reached base every game he's played this month and so now Lugo has to contend with a base runner Bing a strike on Yer Diaz second season for Diaz he was one of the top offensive rookies last year 25-year-old from from the Dominican Republic he was originally signed by the Guardians he was traded to the Astros back in 2021 Guardians got back a reliever in Phil mtime 3-1 pitch popped up to the right side and out of [Applause] play Full Count [Applause] [Music] Alvarez takes off and Diaz sends it straight back little Hit and Run there from the Astros hey Alvarez pretty good athlete too don't let that size fool you I've seen him play some really good left [Applause] field and Lugo checks on him he is five for five in steals this year [Music] so Freddy and Seth are trying to get on the same page [Music] [Applause] payoff pitch Alvarez runs again Diaz lines it to left Blanco plays on a bounce and Alvarez stops IT second backto back hits for the Astros in the bottom of the sixth he hit the same ball is last time up except it was a little lower and Junior caught it but that's the same swing on almost the same pitch this time he got it elevated Alvarez thought about going to third but that was it I mean he made the right play by staying there nobody out you don't want to force that out at third [Music] [Applause] [Applause] oh one to kartini and it's low one ball one strike with the Royals offense struggling so far tonight against frer Valdez it becomes even more important to keep it just a one- nothing game yeah if you can you know this is hoping that he can induce some soft contact here in roll a pair would be great here's pitching coach Brian Sweeney with assisting coach Zack B that was lugo's 76th pitch and he uses it to strike out kartini for his second time tonight that's 8 KS for Lugo and now Sweeney's out for a mount visit yeah he got him on on that that curveball again and he almost had him the pitch before but it's down he got it look Go's given up six hits he has an issue a walk two of the six hit hits are Infield hits including Alvarez's spinner to start this inning you know this is a good offense here so but he's he's keeping his team in the game that's the bottom line that's all you want doing a nice job need to get some offense the guys still want to no hit her against us just hang right in there roll up a pair you have any Dugout superstitions that you would do when one of your teams was in the midst of getting no hit no not not no now you didn't hop on one leg and no spin around or no I might walk down to the bats that were in the rack and rattle the cage rattle the bats a little bit kind of wake up give a little talking to yeah yeah you know but I mean nothing really you can do much about it just saying hey look find a hole [Applause] did it ever work yeah they woke up occasionally when you rattled the cage yeah I was involved in a perfect game and a no hitter it didn't work those nights so twice it didn't work yeah it didn't work and we tried one was Kenny Rogers perfect game and the other was Fernando valenzuela's only no hitter in Dodger Stadium 3-1 to Pena in the air deep right center field hson in Gentry back and hampson's got it a great basket catch on the warning track that's the second out of the inning P that's how you stay out of a double play you don't try to pull the guy you keep that Barrel inside your hands inside hson went a long way a good concentration seing it all the way into your glove fundamentally [Applause] sou award the first pitch straight up that might rattle around up there it comes down and fine makes the catch that's how you stay with it and Seth Lugo gets out of the jam he strands two and the Royals are still down one- [Music] nothing down one- nothing top of the seven fber Valdez is thrown six no hit Innings he's taking a no hitter into the seventh inning for the sixth time in his career he has one career no hitter overall that was August 1st of last year against the Guardians he was an out shy of a no hitter at one point this year yeah well he's locating his pitches he's changing speeds the three main pitches are all excellent they're all top shelf look where he's missing when he misses it's down he's not missing up the RS are a good offense they would be tagging him if he was the Astros have the most no hit bids of up to seven Innings plus since 2019 16 almost no hit bids that's pretty impressive the next closest is the Padres with eight wow oh Bobby Whit Jr can put a stop to the conversation right now he could let's hope he he he can 0 for two tonight here's the 1-1 out in front of the curve one and two yeah we'll show you his pitch mix there it is this what he's using tonight sinkers curveballs change UPS that's it he was tinkering around with some Cutters and you know trying to get some the pitches going but hot shot to Third and dubon gets the glove around it in time for the out can't do nothing wrong with that if you're junior you hit at 107 but like I said early before this game even started you face a guy that's this efficient with ground balls you have to find holes I mean you you little Lux involv sure but the only way you're going to beat him is finding holes and so far the RS have not that was the hardest hit ball against him tonight hit him got salvi on the arm and the Royals have their third base runner of the game that's the ninth time the captain's been hit this year fortunately just nicked him so didn't bruise him and right on the guard too yeah Junior has been hit seven times only D young has been hit more [Applause] nine lot of space on the right side of the infield right now the Astros infield is playing Paul young as pull to possible Altuve is right up the middle at second karantini holds salv on at first that's inviting hitters see the holes in the infield the O2 fouled [Music] away and a strike out anval as is [Music] sixth look at the overhand turn on that man oh man that's a beauty now if he doesn't swing at it's just another ball you got him committed Freddy for me is it a ground ball to the shortstop Jeremy Peña twice tonight yeah it's time to to get one elevated last time around Peña made a terrific play to Rob fine of a hit still a lot of space on that right side and for me fouls it off his foot one and one so Valdez is no hit bid earlier this season came against the Rangers it was earlier this month actually just a little over three weeks ago he know hit the Rangers through eight and 2/3 Innings but then he gave up a home run to Cory Seager that ended the no hit bid and the shut [Applause] out he just toying with the Royals hitters he's toying with them he he's got everything working for him the onew outside two balls two [Applause] strikes and you're starting to get the feeling that everybody in this building knows exactly what's happening and they are beginning to live and die with every pitch the two two two in the dirt gets away from Diaz and salvi goes to Second so wild pitch puts a runner in scoring position fine has been excellent in these situations this season he's also been among the best hitters against lefties this year [Applause] 333 three balls two strikes bz's payoff pitch and it's outside Ball Four appeal to First and no swing okay looking here now the now Valdez is upset okay he is remember I talked about it early you can get you can run rattle him he rattles easy and then he was not happy with the first base umpire watch him that ball is out in the way he didn't swing at it he pulled it back this to be a little better angle here did in the umpire's opinion did he attempt to swing okay now he's going to say when now watch this that's emotion that you don't want your your starting pcture to show so this is the right time you come out and visit with him calm him down tell him hey look there this is this is a tight game but we need to have you let the let the emotion go they've had to work with him on that was pitching coach Joshua Miller that just went out there and so what can Nick Lofton do here he went after the first pitches last time up he likes to go after the first pitch you know just hoping he get something up now valz 93 pitches he's getting towards kind of towards the end of his game maybe he'll leave one up that's all you need first pitch to Lofton and he takes low for ball one the Astros do have action in their Bullpen right-hander Hector nerys is starting to get loose Valdez is now at 94 pitches through six and 2/3 no hit Innings two balls no strikes on Lofton [Applause] The Royals are only down one nothing despite not having a hit tonight 107 is Is His Highest pitch count of the season [Music] [Applause] fou to the plate and it's two and two and that's how many pitches Valdez had in that start against the Rangers where he was an out shy of a no hitter he picks a new baseball from Dan Bolino and they're on their feet at minute made Park heaval moment in the game Runners on first and second two outs top of the seventh the Royals have been no hit to this point two balls and two strikes on Nick Lofton find a hole called strike three a curveball over the outer half and that ends the inning the Royals strand of pair [Applause] four hot dogs four sodas in one parking pass starting at 60 bucks with the Royals Sunday four pack it's ideal for a family day or group outing scan the code on the screen or visit royals.com Sunday here's fber Valdez he was just given some fist bumps in the Dugout he's at 98 pitches through his seven no hit Innings and Seth Lugo retakes the mound trying to keep this a one- nothing game and he starts the seventh against the guy who made it a one- nothing game and Ben gaml bouncer to the right side salvi's got it and a perfect toss to Lugo for the first out so way to be aggressive and take it if you can Lugo knows he's got to get over and he left-handed batters right-handed too but not as much cuz they're going to pull a few of their balls but helping to Captain [Applause] out 0 and one now on Jake Myers Omaha native he's a corn husker too played at the University of Nebraska for a few seasons he's a two-way player there now he's in his second full season with the Astros his fourth Big League year [Applause] overall there's Valdez in The Dugout the Astros had Hector nerys warming up in the bullpen during the last inning he's since sat down Brian Abu is starting to warm up Valdez is at 98 pitches there a chance that he's done after seven Innings despite not allowing a hit yeah he's talking a little bit too much in there to to still be in there so I'm going to say he's not coming out well it's up to that guy he probably already told him certainly something to keep an eye on so Seth lugos just issued his first walk of the game now facing the number nine hitter Mauricio duban Myers takes off and duon rolls it foul James MacArthur there there he is come on in whenever they call your name and be ready to unleash that good fast ball safe to say HUD that this game has been as advertised to this point oh yeah we knew it's going to be a pitcher's duel very safe kidding me seventh it's getting late it's not too often nowadays that you have these kinds of matchups and they live up to the hype especially in terms of length where both guys are pitching into the seventh inning yeah by the way he's chattering in there he definitely he not coming back strike three that's 9ks for Lugo two outs now in the bottom of the seven and here's a message from Rally House play ball KC shop the latest in Royal Style with your favorite Brands and throwback designs Rally House has gear for every [Music] [Applause] fan smack to Center and Garrett hampson's right there to end the inning seven innings of one run ball with nine strikeouts for Seth Lugo The Royals are still without a [Music] hit all right close the book time on framber Valdez he's had a great game I mean a no hit game against the Royals pretty impressive but he had some Defenders that were waiting for him that Pena play there was beautiful this little Chopper here duban filling in for bregman no problem Bey nice pitch there he had all three of his pitches working magically and great pitching out does good hitting any day of the week so the new pitcher is Astros righty briyan Abu they could get to him they got to him last night it was a Bru who allowed the three-run double to Kyle Isbell he's wild look at the walks 31 walks Michael Massie is the PCH hitter he knows a thing or two about breaking up no hitters in the eighth inning you might remember last year Michael Waka certainly does when Michael Massie broke up Michael waka's no hitter in San Diego in the eighth inning last year that's right the 1-1 two balls in a strike now so seven no hit innings for fber Valdez mid90s Abu look for that heater in the middle slider curve change in the air to Center and Jake Meyers is underneath it one away the Royals are down to their final five outs and MJ Melendez comes to the plate to pinch hit [Music] [Applause] [Applause] well the Royals have only been no hit twice in franchise history first by Nolan Ryan in 1973 when he was with the angels it was his first of seven no hitters in his career and John Lester in 2008 no hit the Royals J was looking fast ball all the way two there slow roller up the middle haa grabs it and makes the play he's been doing that all night and there are two outs in the top of the eight when you're a Fielder out there you're a little bit more nervous than anybody else cuz you're like man I don't want to be the guy so you are a little bit nervous but you can't tell it so third straight pinch hitter in this inning in Kyle isbel he had an opposite field three-run double against Brian Abu just yesterday yeah was on a breaking ball on the outer half it was just perfectly struck down that left field line opposite field and not too long before that he also pulled one down the right field line missed a Grand Slam by only a few feet that's right still only one nothing this is a game that is far from Out Of Reach and isbel breaks up the no hitter a base hit through the left side Off the Bench to pinch hit and he does exactly that Kyle Isbell has the Royals first hit of the game and now he represents the potential tying run there you go now let's see what can happen told you they can get to him now that just that base hit there was clean went with it that's his Bel right there i' like to see him do that more often you see where the pitch was located to yeah down and Away same spot as the pitch from last night yeah that one on the outside last time was a little bit further away but still similar approach but they were loaded and it cleared the sacks it was timely and then Royals Z needed somebody to step up at that point in the game so fber Valdez throws seven no hit Innings 98 pitches he's kept in the Dugout the Astros turn to their Bullpen and now the Royals have a hit and looking for more two and0 on Michael Garcia four game hitting streak on the line Garcia entered today seven for his last 11 Bru is given up seven Homer this year so get one out of the yard on him would be a beautiful [Applause] [Music] [Applause] thing up and in at 96 yeah you know I talked about his command issues especially he not trying to do that because you know who's on Deck we don't want to get to him he's got two outs it's three count where' to go Miguel take a pitch maybe two Mel that's who's on Deck [Applause] [Applause] Isbell takes off Garcia hits it in the air to Right Center Jason Hayward calls for it and that ends the inning well the Royals get their first hit of the game but still held scoreless down one- [Music] nothing Seth Lugo looked very impressive tonight he went six strong in excuse me seven just one run on one you know six hits he had a walk okay nine punch outs the ER respectable 3.12 I mean he did everything he could do to keep his team in the game so nice job Seth maybe they can come back and take you off the hook here Carlos Hernandez is into the game for the Royals to face two three and four in the Astros lineup the Royals have made some defensive changes behind him one that raises an eyebrow Melendez in left isbel in Center Michael Garcia is now in right field and Michael Massie is at second base this is Garcia's first career appearance in the Outfield Majors or minors yeah look when you're an athlete you can play anywhere and Alvarez hits one his way and Garcia's got it one up one down for Carlos Hernandez thanks to right fielder Michel Garcia yeah I was just getting ready to say be ready because when you when come into situations like this before the ball will find you and sure enough one of the hardest ones but right at him wasn't over his head but like I said he won't have any issues at all I mean he might you know have a hard time misjudging the ball or two on you know but for this inning here and his purpose he'll be fine it's pretty incredible how the ball finds you like that I think it was last year I think it was Salvador Perez who went into play first base for the first time in a while and sure enough first ball was right to him yeah it's it's amazing how that happens pretty good spot Carlos Hernandez has a mid90s to Upper fast ball slider curve split finger he'll use all four on the ground up the middle and just past Bobby W Jr it's a base hit for Yer Diaz he's two for four tonight yeah Carlos in the middle there he's going to get hit hard and unfortunately didn't hit it to Junior couldn't get it hit too hard well we last Saw Carlos on Tuesday he pitched in emergency relief of Michael Lorenzen who had to exit with his hamstring strain Hernandez delivered two in a third Innings of really solid belief he allowed one run on a couple of hits into the right field Corner another test for Michael Garcia he plays the Bounce Off the Wall Diaz gets held at third it's a double for Victor kartini and now there's a pair in scoring position and only one out now nice job Garcia hit the cut off man on the line perfect it's all you can do fast ball down the middle yeah I do remember at one point during spring training this year or maybe it was last year that Mike Kel Garcia was doing some Outfield drills with Rusty Co on a back field yeah I seem to remember that too and I don't remember if that was before a game at Kaufman or in spring training might I remember I remember seeing it in spring training yeah still more likely when they would do it but you just never know I mean you know when you're a gifted athlete like that you know any shortstop can play anywhere on the diamond but you know he do have a lot of reps but it shouldn't be an issue but I'm sure that they'll all be taking some I'm sure we're going to be seeing D young taking balls at first base uh you know and a whole cast of others big spot here par in scoring position with one out there you go got a nice little tuing two from Brian Sweeney you said big guy you got great stuff there's no way he can hit you if you hit your spots trying to keep this a one-run game heading into the top of the ninth inning The Royals are down to their final three outs offensively [Applause] Perfect Pitch for a called strike two now Jeremy Peña has been right in the middle of it tonight he has made every possible play at Short Stop he's one for three with a double offensively and now he sends it to Center is Bell's got it lined up he makes the catch and Diaz is in to score on a sacrifice fly and The Royals are now down two [Applause] nothing Carlos trying to stay out of the middle to do his best but he couldn't just left it up got up underneath it wasn't that far deep enough to where I I thought Isel could have at least attempted to throw home but he do it base that's it for Carlos Hernandez Daniel Lynch ivth is coming in [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] kuchi for the Astros Kikuchi was traded at the deadline over from the Blue Jays the Royals hopefully be going for the series lead tomorrow but they'll have to make a comeback tonight in order for that to be the case so Daniel Lynch the fourth is Into The Game Face Jason Hayward Lynch delivered three terrific innings in Cleveland just a few days ago only needed 34 pitches he only allowed one hit and he earned his first major league save in the process that was game two of the double header on Monday yeah you know he looked really really confident you know he had good Tempo got that ball up there through strikes fourward nice pitches fast ball slider curve change he like bit you know they're they're getting their feet underneath them now their rookie days are long gone their their youth hopefully I mean still they're obviously by number but experience they're they're much better called strike three got him looking on the Sinker and Daniel Lynch sends Jason Hayward back to the Dugout and ends the eighth in the process [Music] go and Monty they'll break down this entire game Kyle Isbell breaking up the no hit bid by the Astros rber Valdez in seven no hit Innings and then Kyle Isbell laced a single against Brian Abu also Seth lugo's terrific start got overshadowed tonight but Lugo threw seven Innings of one run ball and struck out nine against the first place Houston Astros yeah he was brilliant so Joel and Monty have that for you Rally House Royals live after tonight's game The Royals are hoping tonight's game goes a little bit longer but they've got to break through Josh haer in order for that to be the case y that won't be easy he as tougher left-hander as there [Applause] is his 60th appearance of the Season 29 saves and 30 tries the Royals are down two nothing in the top of the nine and Bobby Whit Jr is in an 02 hole 88 strikeouts and 59 in the third hard hit to short Peña bubbles he recovers throws skips by off the facing of The Dugout yeah you cannot make one mistake when that guy hit you the ball you have to be perfect and paa was not and that's now his e 18th there Bobby Hit It 106 mph off the bat he's done that in backto back at bats now yeah and In fairness to Pia that ball came up on him that last hop watch this it kind of came up on him and he hit it you know in the heel of his glove but hater he's upper 90s fast ball with good life slider and a change it is an error on Peña and now the Royals have the potential tying run at the plate in Salvador Perez [Music] [Applause] hey you got the right guys [Applause] up tied it up with one swing one and two Captain two for five against hater with one home run in his career hater has converted at 29 consecutive save opportunities not a bad time for that streak to [Applause] end longtime Brewers closer last couple of years with the Padres and signed with the Astros in the off season [Applause] [Music] [Applause] throw the first oh Bobby W Jr was nearly caught leaning yeah I don't need that his run don't mean anything here oh he almost took his eye off him AER pretty nice move [Applause] one two swung on a Miss strike [Applause] three tough guy to figure out the Royals have seen some excellent pitching tonight [Applause] now strike one on Paul D young and Valdez was impressive to say the least seven no hit Innings from fber Valdez D young drives it deep to left field it's got enough and the Royals have tied the game Paul D young delivers again a two-run shot to the Crawford [Applause] boxes this game is tied at two in the top of the ninth Paul D young yeah that's the way to fill in for pasat way to pick him up and this team and haters like wow that doesn't happen to me all that often look like a breaking ball yeah how about that 87 Crawford box here it comes for brand new ball game 24th on the year his sixth as a member of the Royals The Royals are resilient M Joel was talking earlier about how Paul D young is a guy who has been there before in whatever situation there is a team losing a potent bat in the lineup a team getting no hit for a big portion of the game a team trailing down to its final couple outs and Paul D young homers against Josh ha to tie the game okay this little wrinkle slider he D young picked it up and you know he's hit some a lot further than that kind of down on the end of the bat but look at that hip load loads up the hips the hands are in great hitting position here short step head position great and excellent follow through 24th and 55th RBI in one swing he doubled the Royals hit total tonight and tied the game Nick Lofton pops up the one pitch kartini makes the catch and that ends the top of the ninth but this game has a bottom of the nine thanks to that guy oh you can't get any more timely than that Bal young go [Music] ahead it's been steep up he loves playing in in playoff situations I mean on a playoff contending team like this and in big situations like that hey we'll take him up there anytime that's what we're that's what we're talking about filling in for a guy in a we just lost 97 ribbies from Vinnie so you're going to have to have other guys step up that's what we're talking about it's James MacArthur in now to protect the tie Ben gaml leads off he homered back in the third inning that was the only run of the game for a while yeah from MacArthur you know mid90s fast ball he cuts the fast ball slider curve change been working the curve ball much better recently he's getting it over the plate putting and keeping it out of the middle there's one there [Applause] on the ground to the right side and Michael massie's got it one away well it was here in Houston last year that James MacArthur really in a lot of ways became James MacArthur he got his first career save against the Astros and a five out save against the Astros less than a week later and two days after that did it again each of the last two were here at minute made Park those were close games at minute made Park last year and MacArthur was pitching in high leverage situations he struck out yordon Alvarez twice hey it was exciting very [Applause] dramatic yeah I'm sure he remembers you know his folks are here he's a Texan this is really a great another great opportunity for him to shine he's from new Bron Falls Texas just outside San Antonio [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Applause] [Music] served into right that's a base hit for Jake Meyers yeah that's on the curveball now don't become too predictable you got a nice 95 mph fast ball maybe maybe up to 97 that's a great swing there that ball had plenty of break on it started in but he stayed away but when you're looking for that pitch you can do that that was a good swing [Applause] John Singleton's grabbed a bat he's ready to pinch hit and Brian Sweeney heads out of the mound to give MacArthur The Scouting Report [Music] [Applause] oh you got a guy that can't run too well okay so that he's a double play candidate that's for sure just from that alone but if you execute your pitches down the lower half that's what you're going to get a ground ball that's exactly what he [Applause] wants that one hit in the series was a squiver off his Bat right down the third Baseline runner on first one out bottom of the [Applause] ninth Meyers is the potential winning run at first he's got excellent [Applause] speed something in the gap or down a line could be troubl look at Massie there's no way he gets the second base so Junior he'll have the pivot at second Singleton hits it to Right Center got a man there is Bell's got it lined up and there's the second out of the [Applause] [Music] [Applause] inning so now Jose Altuve the MacArthur's now reached the point in the Astros lineup you don't want to face yeah but this is an important out right here cuz that guy on Deck he's the game changer you'd rather see him leading off an ending with nobody on base out to base sends it deep to left field Melendez at the fence it's off the wall Meyers is already around third and Meyers is into score the game-winning run a walkoff double for Jose altu and the Royals who were no hit through seven and two3 held scoreless through eight and the third and came back to tie it with a two-run homer in the top of the ninth ultimately fall to the Astros 3 to2 yeah ball missed by a couple of feet from being a homer but you know he just left it out over let's see where where it was yeah a little bit too much on the plate on on tuway but he's such a clutch hitter and he has such a good pull swing to this porch here melendez's only chance he had was to catch it off the wall on the Fly and he almost did and even if he had Jake Myers was flying around third it would have been an almost impossible play at the pl yeah yeah know well the ball had so much Hang Time on it that Myers was almost at third base before the ball even hit the fence you know they've lost Ro have lost these first two games in Houston but they've been in every one every bit of it so the Royals lose final score tonight 3 to2 on saltu delivers the walk-off hit [Applause] [Music] [Applause] [Music]