By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
Cole Ragans didn't seem to miss a beat returning to the mound in his first start back from a groin injury, shutting out the Chicago White Sox over five innings and striking out 11 as the Kansas City Royals won 3-0 at Kauffman Stadium on Monday night.
The Royals first scored in the fourth inning thanks to some skillful base running by Bobby Witt Jr following his leadoff single. Witt Jr stole second base as Vinnie Pasquantino struck out swinging, then took third base on a wild pitch, before scoring on a single by Maikel Garcia. In the fifth inning, it was Witt Jr driving in the run with a double, bringing home Kyle Isbel who singled earlier in the inning.
In the eighth inning, Kansas City scored their final run. Garcia walked and stole second base before advancing to third base on a fly out by Michael Massey. Drew Waters doubled with two out to drive in Garcia, but was stranded in scoring position as Freddy Fermin popped out to the shortstop to end the inning.
Ragans improved to 2-1 with the win. Carlos Estévez earned his 10th save of the season giving up just one hit in the ninth inning. Jonathan India (2-4) and Witt Jr (2-3, 1 RBI) led the way at the plate for the Royals in the win.
Kansas City and Chicago continue their four game series tomorrow. Seth Lugo takes the mound for the Royals against Sean Burke for the White Sox. First pitch is at 6:40pm, pregame coverage begins at 6 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).
You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.