DETROIT — Kansas City Royals starter Daniel Lynch showcased his full potential against the Detroit Tigers. The former 2018 first-round pick was dominant in the Royals’ 1-0 victory at Comerica Park.
Lynch allowed one hit across seven innings of work. His lone mistake was a one-out single that Tigers outfielder Andy Ibáñez hit into center field.
However, Lynch remained unbothered. He was efficient with his four-seam fastball and change-up. He also mixed in a slider and a knuckle-curve.
The pitches kept the Tigers off balance. Lynch worked all corners of the strike zone and generated 39 swings and 11 whiffs. He also issued two walks while striking out two batters.
The Royals added six hits on the night. Maikel Garcia went 3 for 4 with three singles. Recent call-up Matt Beaty provided the key hit with an RBI double in the sixth inning.
The Tigers attempted a late rally. Detroit loaded the bases in the eighth inning against Royals reliever Aroldis Chapman. The Royals escaped the threat as Chapman worked around three walks.
KC improved to 20-53 on the season and has a chance to win the series on Wednesday afternoon.
Here are more notables from today’s game:
Chapman escapes eighth-inning trouble
It was an eventful outing for Chapman. After Lynch pitched seven scoreless innings, Chapman was tasked with preserving a 1-0 lead.
Chapman, who holds the mark for fastest pitch thrown in Royals history, didn’t have his best command as he walked three batters in the eighth inning. He also threw a wild pitch and loaded the bases with two outs.
The Tigers had a prime opportunity to tie the game. Spencer Torkelson stepped to the plate to face Chapman. However, Chapman was able to induce a fielder’s choice to end the threat.
Torkelson grounded out to Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who flipped the baseball to Nicky Lopez to record the third out. Chapman avoided disaster and bridged the path for Scott Barlow to close it out.
Garcia heats up against Tigers
Garcia continues to rake at Comerica Park. On Monday, Garcia hit his second career home run off Tigers starter Reese Olson. The blast traveled 411 feet and gave the Royals an early lead.
(His first home run was a special moment, too.) Garcia turned in a follow-up effort Tuesday. He went 3 for 4 with three singles. In the sixth inning, Garcia scored the first run of the game. Royals designated hitter Beaty doubled as Garcia raced home.
In his last 12 games, Garcia owns a .348 batting average and has two three-hit games during the span.
What’s next
The Royals conclude their three-game series against the Tigers. Brady Singer will start Wednesday’s finale against Matthew Boyd.
