CLEVELAND — The Kansas City Royals mustered only two hits against the Cleveland Guardians on Friday night. It was another quiet night for the offense, which was held in check by Guardians starter Aaron Civale.
The most memorable offensive highlight? A Nick Pratto ejection in the seventh inning ... after striking out. It was that kind of game.
Civale pitched seven scoreless innings and struck out nine batters. The Guardians scored three runs as they cruised to a 3-0 victory.
The Royals dropped to 23-64.
Here’s a look back at the action from Friday evening...
Daniel Lynch produces quality start
The Royals got another solid outing from their starting rotation. Daniel Lynch pitched six innings and allowed three earned runs. He allowed six hits and struck out three batters.
Lynch had one major mistake. He allowed a two-run homer to Guardians designated hitter Josh Bell.
In the fourth inning, Bell hit a 89.7-mph fastball into the left-field seats. The blast traveled 404 feet and scored Guardians first baseman Josh Naylor.
Lynch threw 55 of 73 pitches for strikes. He relied on his fastball and slider primarily through his outing. Both pitches generated 28 swings and seven whiffs.
Pratto ejected
It was a tough night for Royals first baseman Pratto. He went 0 for 3 with three strikeouts against Civale.
In the seventh inning, Pratto was ejected by home plate umpire Brennan Miller. He argued a close strike call that appeared off the plate.
Miller called the pitch a strike. He tossed Pratto after a short conversation that escalated.
The Royals inserted infielder Matt Duffy at first base for the remainder of the game.
What’s next
The Royals continue their four-game series against the Guardians. Brady Singer will start Saturday’s matchup against Gavin Williams.
