MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

Cardinals take 3 of 4 from Phillies

The Cardinals (32-12) took 3 out of 4 games against the Phillies to start the week in St.Louis. The Cardinals have a 4 1/2 game lead on the Brewers in the division and extended their lead to 7 games over the struggling Cubs.

Aside from Zack Wheeler shutting them down Wednesday, the Cards offense exploded this series scoring a total of 21 runs (they were shut out Wednesday) and hitting 10 homeruns. The Cardinals also got greedy on the basepaths swiping 7 bases over the series.

The Cardinals will now travel to Pittsburgh to face the Pirates in a 3 game weekend series, before heading to Milwaukee next week to close out the month of May.

[Stars and Crowns]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

ROYALS LOSE SERIES AGAINST TIGERS, GET DOMINATED BY STARTING PITCHING

Game one:
WP: T. Skubal (6-2)
LP: B. Keller (7-5)
S: D. Norris (9)

In the best pitching duel of the season, the Tigers defeat the Royals 1-0.

Brad Keller allowed an Akil Baddoo RBI single with two outs in the first inning and that would prove to be the game winner.

Keller went 6.1 innings followed by 2.2 scoreless from Wade Davis and Richard Lovelady. Tarik Skubal was special however, going 8.2 scoreless and being pulled just out away from a complete game after Soler and Santana reached.

Game two:
WP: M. Boyd (2-5)
LP: S. Barlow (2-6)
S: D. Norris (10)

Danny Duffy was forced to leave the game after just 2/3 of an inning due to a pulled hamstring. He was replaced by Jakob Junis, who would throw 3.2 innings of scoreless ball before he too would have to exit with an undisclosed hand injury.

Scott Barlow came into the game cold and got rocked, allowing our runs and taking the loss.

Matt Boyd of the Tigers would go 7 innings, allowing three runs and there bullpen was good enough to preserve the game. Tigers win 5-3.

Danny Duffy has been placed on the 15 day IL and the Royals have recalled Daniel Lynch. He has made one start in KC this year, going five scoreless and getting his first win. I’m excited to see what he can do with the next couple starts while Duffy is out.

Junis needed a day of rest and he is back in the bullpen. He should be ready whenever needed.

Game three:
WP: Brady Singer (6-3)
LP: C. Mize (0-7)
S: J. Staumont

Brady Singer got through six innings, allowing just a pair of runs. Merrifield and Soler each hit HRs and Taylor chipped in with an RBI double.

2018 first overall pick of the Tigers, Casey Mize, pitched well going 7 innings and allowing just three runs. It wasn’t enough however and he had his record fall to 0-7 on the season, and he’s 0-10 in his career.

Despite dropping the series, the 40-27 Royals still maintain a three game lead in the division.

[MattyIce]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

Cardinals close out April 15-11, 2nd Place in NL Central


Goldy's 3 HR Power Cards 18-6 route of PIT
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[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

Cardinals take series against the Pirates

The Cardinals went into PNC Park and took 2 of 3 from the Pirates as they continue to win series after series this season.

The Cardinals dropped the first game of the series, but were able to bounce back and win Saturday and Sunday.

Not much of an update...LOL

Cardinals will now head to Milwaukee for a game series with the 2nd place Brewers who trail the Cards by 5 games.

[decga]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

Braves split a 4-game series with the Cubs

Pitching and homers were the name of game in this series. We won 2-0 and 3-2. They won 2-1 and 4-3.. Ozuna had the hott bat of the series going 7 for 16, 3HR, 2B(2) & 5RBI. Cubs Kris Bryant had 2HR in the series as well.

We moved to 15-10 on the year, tied with the Marlins for 2nd. Behind the 1st place Phillies who are at 16-10 trailing by 0.5GB.

Next up is the Blue Jays on the road for a 3-game series. Followed by a 3-game set in D.C. vs. the Nats

[overheadthree]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

The Devils start out the 2023 season trading Merrill Kelly to the Pirates for C Diego Cartaya B prospect and CF Sammy Siani another B prospect. We then traded for Ian Anderson of the Braves sending Ty Buttrey, B Prospect Geoffrey Linder SP and B Prospect CF Bryan Buelvas.

In Free Agency the Devils made a big splash signing Byron Buxton to a 3yr 50M$ contract. They also resigned back Yu Chang for 1yr 1M, they also signed Cole Tucker to a minor league deal.

In the Rule 5 the Devils selected Colin Poche.

2023 Lineup and Rotation/Bullpen

SS: Darnell Sweeney - Welcome back!
2B: Eli Ybarra - basically a Jose Iglesias clone but better hitting
RF: Jake Cave - MR. consistent
1B: Ryon Healy - hope to see an improvement on last year
3B: David Bote/ Yu Chang - amazing against Righties sucks against lefties
DH: Kyle Schwarber - more bombs
LF: Dalton Pompey - solid option in left
C: Zack Collins/ Jacob Nottingham - great platoon need collins to step up
CF: Billy Burns - Buxton is out 1-2 months with a shoulder tear

Bench:
1B/2B/SS/3B: Yu Chang - solid platoon bat
2B/SS/3B/LF/CF/RF: Cole Tucker - short leash
1B/LF/CF/RF: Greg Deichmann - filling in until Buxton is back
1B/C: Jacob Nottingham - amazing against lefties sucks against righties
2B/SS/3B/LF/RF: Yeyson Yrizarri - solid fielder terrible hitter

1: Andrew Heaney - hope to get my moneys worth on this last year
2: Ian Anderson - solid number 2 might be my one by the end of the year
3: Eric Lauer - hopefully he'll continue what he had last year
4: Brent Honeywell Jr - Mr. consistent last year
5: Rich McCabe - my first pick I made in the 2021 draft

LRP: Alex Reyes - was awesome last year
MRP: Scott Alexander - got hit around a little but very good against lefties
MRP: Seranthony Dominguez - was not great hoping a bounce back
MRP: Colin Poche - hoping for good things
MRP: Edubray Ramos - was insane last year
SU: Archie Bradley - solid option
CL: Pedro Strop - Will be on a short leash, attributes are declining fast

The season has come to a close as the Devils finish just one game back in the Wild Card at 86-76. The team fought hard till the end, but unfortunately it wasn't enough. some standouts on the season Brent Honeywell at SP, Edubray Ramos and Pedro Strop in the Bullpen, and Ryon Healy and Kyle Schwarber in the lineup.

Final stats for the year:

C: Zack Collins .251 7HR 29RBI / Jacob Nottingham .273 11HR 29RBI
1B: C.J. Cron .245 13HR 38RBI / Ryon Healy .252 22HR 67 RBI
2B: Eli Ybarra .283 3HR 29RBI
3B: David Bote .273 10HR 55RBI
SS: Dansby Swanson .231 6HR 21RBI / Yeyson Yrizarri .201 2HR 18RBI
LF: Kyle Schwarber .258 28HR 85RBI / Dalton Pompey .267 2HR 16RBI
CF: Billy Burns .261 4HR 45RBI / Adam Haseley .157 8RBI
RF: Jake Cave .276 20HR 85RBI

SP: Andrew Heaney 13-12 4.00 ERA 1.29 WHIP 202 innings pitched 206 K
SP: Eric Lauer 3-2 2.27 ERA 1.09 WHIP 83 innings pitched
SP: Merrill Kelly 13-9 3.75 ERA 1.21 WHIP 201 innings pitched
SP: Brent Honeywell JR 9-7 3.11 ERA 1.35 WHIP 179 Innings pitched
SP: Rick Porcello 10-10 4.32 ERA 1.27 WHIP 187 innings pitched

RP: Alex Reyes 3-2 3.49 ERA 1.59 WHIP 49 innings pitched
RP: Edubray Ramos 8-1 2.25 ERA 1.09 WHIP 44 innings pitched
RP: Archie Bradley 3-6 3.30 ERA 1.18 WHIP 92 innings pitched
RP: Daniel Norris 2-1 4.90 ERA 1.27 WHIP 75 innings pitched
RP: Scott Alexander 5-3 3.88 ERA 1.26 WHIP 55 innings pitched
SU: Seranthony Dominguez 4.35 ERA 1.43 WHIP 51 innings pitched
CL: Pedro Strop 0-2 2.41 ERA 1.13 WHIP 56 innings pitched 46SV 4BS

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

Cardinals drop series to the Brewers

The Cardinals (34-15) dropped 2 of 3 to the rival Brewers as their divisional lead shrinks to 4.

Pitching just wasn't up to par in the series as the Cardinals gave up 26 hits over the series, along with 7 homeruns. They also issued 14 walks over the 3 game set.

The Cardinals will travel back home for a 3 game weekend series with the Cubs.

Injury bug strikes in Milwaukee

The injury bug struck the Cardinals during their series with the Brewers.

Max Scherzer was removed after just 23 pitches in his start due to back issues. Scherzer was placed on the 15 Day IL. Daniel Ponce de Leon was recalled from Memphis.

Starling Marte was injured in the series finale on Thursday afternoon after attempting a diving catch in left center field. Marte left with what was described as a forearm issue and was placed on the 10 Day IL. Connor Capel was recalled from Memphis.

Giovanny Gallegos was removed in the same game as Marte in the 8th due to an inflammed nerve. Gallegos threw one pitch before sustaining the injury. He too was placed on the 15 day IL but he would be up to 3 weeks with the injury. John Gant was activated from the IL after the series to take the roster spot.

Struggling baseball and injuries to begin the month of June is a bad combination to begin the month of June.

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

Cardinals drop back to back series, this time to the Cubs

The Cardinals (35-17) dropped a 3 game series to the Cubs over the weekend in St.Louis.

The Cardinals have dropped back to back series in June and have seen their lead shrink to 3 games over the Brewers.

The bats were silent and the bullpen was shaky in the series as the Cardinals continue their struggles over the last week or two.

The Cardinals will now welcome the Dodgers in for a 3 game series starting Monday night before travelling to San Diego for a 4 game weekend series with the struggling Padres.

[Stars and Crowns]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

ROYALS LOSE SERIES AGAINST RED SOX, ROYALS PITCHING GETS ROCKED

Game one:
WP: J. Staumont (1-1)
LP: A. Ottovino (2-6)

Coming off a string of quality outings, Kris Bubic looked to continue that against the Red Sox.

The Red Sox had all the answers though, as Alex Verdugo homered on the first pitch, and Raphael Devers homered on the second. The third pitch was hit into RF for a single by Xander Bogaerts.

After an early mound visit, Bubic got JD Martinez to ground into a double play. With two down and the bases empty, Bobby Dalbec would take Bubic deep for the third Sox HR of the inning. Kike Hernandez would add another pair on a double.

Mondesi would get a run back in the second, doubling in a run. However the effort it took to beat the throw to second would cause him to strain his hamstring. He was replaced by Eric Mejia and is day to day.

Bubic would stay in the game, more so a byproduct of the Royals needing innings from him. He would rebound admirably, able to complete five innings and allowing just the five runs he allowed in the first.

In the bottom of the fifth, Merrifield would lead off with a single, followed by an Andrew Benintendi single. Soler hit one that bounced off the top of the wall and drove them both home, making it 5-3 Red Sox. Hunter Dozier would then hit a lazy ground ball that had eyes on it and it snuck into the outfield, scoring Soler. Dozier was picked off of fist, but the. Carlos Santana hit a HR to tie the game at 5 and get Bubic off the hook.

The Red Sox bullpen would take over and pitch the next three innings scoreless, while the Royals matched them. Junis went 2.1, Zimmer .2, and Holland and Staumont each chipped in with a scoreless inning.

In the bottom of the ninth, Salvy banged a line drive into RF. He was lifted for Jarrod Dyson who stole second. Jorge Soler, on a 2-2 count was able to get a piece of a curveball and sent it past the pitcher into CF and Dyson scored easily as the Royals fought back to walk off the Sox for the win.

Game two:
WP: M. Perez (6-4)
LP: D. Lynch (1-1)

Daniel Lynch got his second career start, filling in for the injured Danny Duffy. It was a nervous first inning, as he gave up a one out triple to Raphael Devers and walking Bogaerts immediately after. Facing the big hitting JD Martinez however, he got him to hit the top of a curve and got the inning ending double play.

The second inning would be different however. After a lead off double, Hunter Renfroe would pick up an RBI, and Marwin Gonzales would drive him home in a single.

The Royals offense spent the first few inning being shut down, but the Red Sox got after Lynch again in the third, scoring three more times.

The Royals would load the bases in the fourth against Martin Perez, but Michael Taylor would fly out harmlessly to end the threat.

The Royals would lift Daniel Lynch after just four innings, after giving up 5 runs on 8 hits.

The Royals would once again load the bases in the fifth, but this time it was Hanser Alberto who grounded out, and the Royals were left scoreless.

Wade Davis would pitch the 7th and give up three runs. In the bottom of the inning, Salvador Perez would get a double and be drive in by Soler. Hunter Dozier would add a sac fly to make it 8-2 Red Sox.

The teams would trade runs late but the Red Sox would win 9-3.

Game three:
WP: A. Ottavino (3-6)
LP: B. Keller (7-6)

For the second time in the series, Alex Verdugo led it off with a HR, this time off of Brad Keller. Verdugo would also homer the second time he came up to bat, another solo shot that made it 2-0.

The Red Sox lineup stayed on fire, scoring three more runs in the fourth and one in the fifth, chasing Keller out of the game. They led 6-0, and had leads of at least 5-0 in all three games.

The Royals got a lead off double by Dyson in the fifth, followed by an RBI single from Nicky Lopez. Whit Merrifield singled. With two on and one out, Salvador Perez hit a three run HR off of Hirokazu Sawamura, trimming it to 6-4.

Jakob Junis gave it all back in the sixth though, getting rocked for six runs, including a Kike Hernandez three run HR with two outs.

Scott Barlow would allow a ninth inning HR and the Royals get crushed in the series final 13-4.

The Royals now head out for a long road trip, with series against the Yankees, Rangers, and Red Sox.

[Stars and Crowns]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

ROYALS DROP SERIES AT YANKEE STADIUM

Game one:
WP: J. Taillon (7-2)
LP: M. Minor (6-3)

Jameson Taillon wasn’t exactly overpowering, but the Royals only managed two runs off him in seven innings. They made a lot of loud contact but couldn’t find holes.

Mike Minor went five innings, and gave up four runs. All four runs came on a pair of Gleybor Torres two run HRs.

The Yankees would add a pair off of Wade Davis and one against Greg Holland and win 7-2.

Game two:
WP: L. Severino (3-5)
LP: B. Singer (6-4)
S: C. Green (20)

The Royals got solo HRs from Merrifield, Benintendi, Soler, and Dozier, but couldn’t keep up with the Yankees volume hitting. The Yankees scored eight runs without a HR and the Royals lost 8-5.

Game three:
WP: B. Keller (8-6)
LP: C. Kluber (11-2)
S: J. Staumont (20)

The Royals got a two run HR from Salvador Perez and a pair of Nicky Lopez RBIs off of Corey Kluber. Brad Keller came up huge with 8 innings pitched, allowing only two runs. Royals salvaged the series, winning 4-2.

The Royals are 42-31 and sit three games ahead of the Twins. They’ll now go to Texas to play the Rangers for three games before going to Boston.

[LowerWolf]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

We took two of three from the Mets and three of four from the Reds on our road trip to open up a 4.5 game lead in the NL East. We also dropped Cincinnati out of first in the Central. Milwaukee is back in the lead.

Pederson hasn't done much outside of his dramatic home run in his first-at bat as a Brave. And Tepera has given up runs in each of his two outings. Hopefully they settle in soon.

We get the Mets again, this time at Truist Park, for another three-game series. Then the Marlins for three before heading out on our final road trip before the All-Star break to Pittsburgh and Miami.

Acuna was making his case for best player in the game, hitting .325 with 31 homers and 63 RBIs. But I look over in the AL and some guy named Trout is hitting .346 with 30 homers and 70 RBIs.

[countryboy]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

Cardinals lose 2 of 3 to the Dodgers

The Cardinals (36-19) struggles in June continue as they dropped 2 of 3 games to the Dodgers to begin the week. This marks the 3rd straight series the Cardinals have lost.

Daniel Ponce de Leon started the series opener Monday night and was rocked for 6 runs over 4 innings of work. John Gant was a savior of sorts pitching 4 innings in relief allowing 2 more runs on 5 hits to prevent the bullpen from being taxed in the series opener. The offense was shutout by Bauer who pitched a complete game giving up just 3 hits while striking out 15.

Kwang Hyun Jun started Tuesday night and was effective allowing just one run over 6 innings of work. But unfortunately Genesis Cabrera would blow up in the 8th giving up a 3 run bomb to Edwin Rios that put the Dodgers up 4-3, which would be the final score. Tyler O'Neill's bases loaded triple in the 5th was pretty much all the offense for the Cardinals.

Levi Prater would pitch Wednesday's afternoon series finale and went 7 innings allowing 2 runs while striking out 5. He would get the W as the bullpen held on to a 4-2 victory with Alex Reyes recording his 19th save in as many opportunities. Dylan Carlson would deliver a 3 run bomb in the 4th and DeJong added a RBI double in the 8th to propel the offense.

The Cardinals will now travel to San Diego for a 4 game weekend series with the Padres who are trying to stay within reach as they have been without superstar Fernando Tatis Jr for the last 3 weeks and don't expect him back until after the All-Star break.

Cardinals place Nolan Arenado on 10 Day IL

The Cardinals star 3rd baseman Nolan Arenado has landed on the 10 Day IL with a shoulder issue. Arenado injured himself making a diving attempt on a hot shot down the line off the bat of Will Smith on Tuesday night. Arenado is expected to miss around 2-3 weeks.

Edmundo Sosa was recalled from Memphis to fulfill the vacant roster spot.

[Stars and Crowns]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

ROYALS TAKE SERIES IN TEXAS

Game one:
WP: K. Bubic (5-5)
LP: K. Arihara (2-8)
S: J. Staumont (21)

Whit Merrifield led the game off with a solo HR on the first pitch of the game.

The Rangers scored twice in the bottom of the third to go up 2-1 on a Nick Solak double against Kris Bubic.

In the top of the fifth, the Royals exploded for five runs, getting RBIs from Salvy, Santana, and Mondesi.

The Rangers made strides in the bottom of the eighth when Adolis Garcia hit a three run HR off of Kyle Zimmer, trimming it to 6-5.

Alaberto Mondesi would add an insurance run for the Royals in the top of the ninth though and Josh Staumont closed the door, preserving the 7-5 win and earning his 21st save.

Game two:
WP: D. Lynch (2-1)
LP: B. Martin (0-2)
S: J. Staumont (22)

The Royals struck first in game two of the series also, on a Jorge Soler double. They would add another run in the second on an Alaberto Mondesi double, but once again Mondesi would have to be replaced due to injury.

In the fifth, Kiner-Falefa and Nate Lowe would each drive in a run to tie it at 2-2.

In the top of the eight, Carlos Santana would hit a two run HR to put the Royals on top for good. They win 4-2.

Alaberto Mondesi has a MCL sprain and will go to the 10 day IL. He has already been on the 60 day IL and missed another five games due to injury.

Cam Gallagher was optioned to triple-a Omaha. Royals have recalled RPJesse Hahn and C Meibrys Viloria to the MLB.

Game three:
WP: D. Dunning (6-6)
LP: M. Minor (6-4)
S: Leclerc (17)

Mike Minor started the game with three perfect innings. However, the second trip through the lineup provided to be as difficult as the first trip was easy. Minor only allowed two hits, but walked four and gave up 4 runs in the fourth inning alone and was pulled after just 3.2 innings.

Meibrys Viloria made his MLB debut, and on the first pitch he saw, he hit a two run HR. That was the lone bright spot on the day for the Royals. The Royals only scored three runs in the first eight innings, and trailed 5-3 heading into the ninth. They would get a pinch hit HR from Carlos Santana but couldn’t find the tying run and lose 5-4.

The Royals will head to Boston to close out June. The record is 44-33.

[Stars and Crowns]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

ROYALS SPLIT SERIES IN BOSTON, RUIN DUFFY’S RETURN

Game one:
WP: B. Singer (7-4)
LP: E. Rodriguez (6-6)

Whit Merrifeld, Hanser Alberto, and Salvador Perez all got singles off of Eduardo Rodriguez to start the first inning. Rodriguez got Soler to pop out harmlessly, but Carlos Santana came through with a bases clearing double. The next batter was Ryan McBroom and he hit a two run HR to put the Royals up 5-0.

After a scoreless bottom of the first for Brady Singer, the Royals got another RBI from Santana.

In the bottom of the third, the Royals had to pull Salvador Perez due to injury and the fans and front office would hold their collective breaths.

In the fifth innings the game became a route. Michael Taylor drove in a pair, Santana, Alberto, and McBroom all drive in one as the Royals out up another 5 spot to take the 11-0 lead in just the fourth inning.

The Red Sox would finally get on the board in the bottom of the sixth on a Raphael Devers solo HR.

In the end the game would finish with a 12-2 score in favor of the Royals. Beady Singer would go the distance, allowing just two runs.

*Tests on Salvador Perez came back negative and he will be day to day will a pulled groin.

Game two:
WP: B. Keller (9-6)
LP: (N. Eovaldi (4-6)
S: J. Staumont (23)

Once again the Royals get the jump on the starting pitcher for the Red Sox. This time it’s Nathan Eovaldi who gave up a pair of first inning runs, on a HR from Benintendi and a single by Dozier.

In the third, Brad Keller faced with a bases loaded, no outs situation, walked in a run and gave up an infield single before getting out of trouble, but the Red Sox had tied it at 2.

In the top of the 5th, Eovaldi hit Alberto and Merrifield with pitches and Benintendi made him pay by driving in his second run of the game with a single. Santana followed that up by driving in a run. The Royals scored both hit batters.

JD Martinez hit a monster HR off of Brad Keller to make it 4-3 Royals.

In the top of the sixth , it was Hanser Alberto who hit a solo HR, his first of the year to extend the lead to 5-3.

The bullpens would both pitch the rest of the game scoreless and the Royals win game two 5-3.

*Danny Duffy has been reinstated from the IL, Daniel Lynch has been optioned to triple-a Omaha

Game three:
WP: R. Brasier (5-2)
LP: K. Bubic (5-6)

Kris Bubic’s worst start this year came at the hands of the Red Sox, and this one didn’t start any better. He allowed three runs in the first and another two in the second.

In the second the Royals were able to load the bases against Hirokazu Sawamura, but a Nickly Lopez fly ball turned into a double play as Dozier was nailed at the plate trying to tag up, then Merrifield flew out.

The third inning would go better though as Andrew Benintendi singled and Soler walked before Carlos Santana hit a three run HR to trim the Sox lead to 5-3.

Verdugo, who has been a Royals killer this season, hit a solo HR off Bubic in the fourth which chased him from the game.

Michael Chavis would add a solo HR in the fifth off Jakob Junis.

In the Royals would get the first two runners aboard for Merrifield, who would hit a sac fly scoring Mejia, making it 7-4 Sox. Salvy would also hit a sac fly to drive in the second run of the inning. Soler would strikeout to end the inning with the Royals down 7-5.

The Red Sox would break it open in the bottom of the eighth. Richard Lovelady would walk the first two batters, and then be replaced by Scott Barlow. He bounced a curveball and Salvys throw to third went into LF allowing a run to score. JD Martinez then doubled HR a run. The Red Sox would take a commanding 11-5 lead into the ninth, and the Royals would go down in order.

Game four:
WP: R. Brasier (6-2)
LP: J. Staumont (1-2)

Danny Duffy made his first start since coming off the IL. Both teams were retired in order in the first, but the Royals loaded the bases in the top of the second with no outs for Hunter Dozier.

Dozier singled in a run off of Martin Perez, and with one out Nickly Lopez hit a double that would have scored three, but had to settle for a ground rule double putting the Royals up 3-0. Whit Merrifield was up and on the first pitch hit a three run HR to take a 6-0 lead, and Martin Perez was pulled after just 1.1 innings.

Duffy ran into a little trouble in both the third and fourth innings, but got through them unscathed.

Phillip Valdez would take the bump for the Sox in the fifth, and was immediately welcomed with a single by Salvy and a two run HR from Soler.

In the top of the seventh the Royals loaded the bases against LHP Josh Taylor, and Nicky Lopez drew a walk to make it 9-0. Whit Merrifield came up and faced new reliever Darwinzon Hernandez, who got him to ground out to end the inning.

With a huge lead the Royals were happy to relieve Duffy after a strong six innings, giving up just four hits and collecting 7 strikeouts in his return.

That would turn out to be a mistake however as the the Royals bullpen got absolutely blitzed. In embarrassing fashion, Jesse Hahn, Richard Lovelady, Greg Holland, and Josh Staumont would give up a combined 9 runs in the 7-9 innings and the game would go to extras.

In the top of the 10th, Nicky Lopez would lay down the sac bunt to get the runner to third for Whit Merrifield, who would come through with a sac fly.

Needing a run to tie in the bottom of the tenth, Raphael Devers advanced the runner to third on a sac fly. Josh Staumont threw a pitch that caught a little to much of the plate for Xander Bogaerts, who hit it over the monster for a walk off two run HR.

The Royals once led 9-0, lose to the Red Sox 11-10 and end up with the four game split. The calendar moves to August and the Royals find themselves at 46-34 after a 15-14 June.

With just a couple weeks before the All Star break and a month until the trade deadline, the Royals need to keep pressure on the front office to add to what could be a playoff team. That will begin in the next series when they take in the Twins, who are three games back.

[Stars and Crowns]

Re: MLB The Show 21 Franchise Discussion Thread

ROYALS WIN SERIES VS TWINS, WALK OFF FUN

Game one:
WP: S. Barlow (3-6)
LP: T. Rodgers (0-3)

Mike Minor and Randy Dobnak took the hill for their respective teams and both held the opposing teams scoreless through three innings. The stalemate was ended in the bottom of the fourth, when Carlos Santana singled ahead of Hunter Dozier, who hit a two run HR.

Meibrys Viloria led the fifth off with a double, and scored after a pair of groundouts from Mejia and Lopez to make it 3-0.

Mike Minor would go seven strong innings and depart for Kyle Zimmer, who would pitch a scoreless eighth.

Unbelievably though, the usual decent Royals bullpen blew it again. This time it was Wade Davis who walked a man before giving up a bomb to Buxton, and then Staumont surrendering a pair that allowed the game to be tied at 4.

The Twins would score a run in the top of the 10th to take a 5-4 lead, but the Royals would get it back in the bottom of the inning on a Dozier single.

Barlow would keep the Twins scoreless in the 11th. With Michael Taylor at second, Meibrys Viloria would clutch up and drive a ball into the LF gap and the rookie gets mobbed as the Royals walk of the Twins 6-5.

Game two:
WP: M. Shoemaker (4-8)
LP: B. Singer (7-5)
S: T. Rogers (20)

After Brady Singer had a scoreless top of the first, the Royals jumped on Matt Shoemaker when Salvador Perez hit a two run HR.

The second and third innings would be different for Singer though as the Twins put up five runs, capped off by a Josh Donaldson two run HR.

Hunter Dozier would get a run back with an RBI single in the bottom of the third.

In the sixth, the Royals would load the bases against Tyler Duffy, but Salvy would hit a drive into LF that was tracked down by Alex Kirilloff.

The Royals bullpen did bounce back, tossing four scoreless innings, but the Twins won 5-3 to even the series.

Game three:
WP: J. Staumont (2-2)
LP: T. Rogers (0-4)

The Royals kicked off the scoring with a sac fly in the third by Andrew Benintendi that saw both teams playing mostly reserves. In the fourth, Ryan McBroom extended the lead with a two run HR.

In another scary moment for the Royals, Salvador Perez had to come out of the game defensively after taking a foul tip to the mask.

Brad Keller pitched 7.1 scoreless innings before walking Luis Arraez and giving up the two run HR to Miguel Sano, making it 3-2 Royals. Richard Lovelady would come into to finish the inning.

In the top of the ninth it was Josh Staumont looking to rebound from a couple tough outings, but a lead off double followed by a single evaporated the lead and the Twins tied it at 3. He would settle down to retire the next three batters and the Royals went to the bottom of the ninth tied.

Erick Mejia got a two out single, and Dozier walked. That brought Merrifield to the plate with a chance to walk it off. Unfortunately though he hit a fly ball to left field and the game went to extras.

After throwing just four pitches, Greg Holland had to come out do to injury. A cold Jakob Junis would enter and give up the go ahead single to Jake Cave. He would get through the inning just down one run though.

With Andrew Benintendi at the plate, Whit Merrifield would swipe third, getting there with no outs, which would be huge as Benintendi struck out.

Due to the Salvy injury, rookie Viloria would come up, and get another big hit as he came through with a single to once again tie the game.

Soler would then hit a double that put runners at second and third with one out for Ryan McBroom.

The Twins choose to pitch to him with Taylor Rogers. On a 0-1 count he hit a flair to RF that Buxton dove for and did all he could to come up with it, but it kicked off his glove and Viloria came in for the walk off win. Royals win the series to move to 48-35.

For the Twins, they have now gone 4-7 in there last 11 games and fall behind the White Sox to third place.

Greg Holland and Salvador Perez both avoid major injuries and are day to day. The Royals will face the Reds in a three game series before going to Cleveland for four before the All Star festivities.