Reports: Matt Quatraro highlights new tactical shift that would help to optimize the team’s performance…[Details in Post]

On Friday night, the Royals of Kansas City crushed the Twins of Minnesota, 5-0, in a matchup of American League Central rivals.

After the victory, Kansas City moved up to the second American League wild card place. Their current record of 77–65 puts them 1.5 games ahead of the Twins.

The Royals won thanks to a home run by Evan Massey and a solid outing by All-Star pitcher Cole Ragans. In 6.0 innings of work, the left-handed pitcher allowed just four hits and a single walk. He improved his record to 11-9 with a 3.33 ERA and struck out seven batters.

In addition, he joined an exclusive club in team annals when he became the first player to reach 200 strikeouts in his career.

It has been reported by @StatsCentre:

No pitcher has ever thrown more strikeouts in a single season in @Royals franchise history (1969–) than:
244- D. Leonard Dennis (1977)
The year 2009, by Zack Greinke
twenty-seven—Kevin Appier (1996)
No. 206: Bob Johnson from 1970
Cole Ragans (2024) in Friday’s 5-0 victory over the Twins, achieved via 7 hits in 6 innings pitched.
twenty-eight—Steve Busby (1974)

There are probably four games remaining in the regular season for Ragans, who has started 29 of them. He’ll definitely overtake Johnson and Appier, and if he gets on a hot streak, he could challenge for first place.

The 26-year-old has been the Royals’ rock since his acquisition at the 2023 trade deadline. He has been instrumental in the team’s turnaround from 56-106 to a postseason contender, their best chance since 2015.

The next scheduled game between the Twins and Royals is on Saturday at 7:15 p.m. ET.