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Two former Gators are making their presence felt in MLB as the season winds down. Royals pitchers Brady Singer and Jackson Kowar both appeared in the team’s recent victory over the Cleveland Guardians. Despite a rough season for the two pitchers, both are making improvements late in the season.
The Game
This game marked the first of a three-game series between the Royals and the Guardians. With a record of 49-102, it is impossible for the Royals to make the AL wildcard. Although Kansas City is in the midst of a last-place season, the team does have the opportunity to play spoiler to playoff hopefuls.
The Guardians got on the board first after Cleveland catcher Bo Naylor doubled to left field and scored second baseman Andres Gimenez in the second inning. The Royals responded in the third when right fielder MJ Melendez tripled and scored shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. to cut the deficit to 2-1.
MJ cuts the deficit in half! #Royals
TV: Bally Sports Kansas City
Stream: Bally Sports app pic.twitter.com/rmtumK32YB— Bally Sports Kansas City (@BallySportsKC) September 18, 2023
The Guardians put up two more runs on Singer and the Royals trailed by as much as three runs in the sixth inning. However, they did not back down. In the bottom of the sixth, Kansas City designated hitter Nelson Velazquez blasted a 425-foot solo homerun to give the team a spark.
The Royals later loaded the bases in the bottom of the eighth and found themselves down by just one. Kansas City center fielder Drew Water slapped a double into left-field to give the Royals the go-ahead run. Kansas City would go on to win the game 6-4.
Drew comes up clutch!#WelcomeToTheCity pic.twitter.com/xIXObdrJUi
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) September 18, 2023
Former Gators Making an Impact
Two former Gators toed the mound in the victory. Singer earned the start and delivered a strong performance overall. Although he gave up four earned runs, the young right-hander was able to pitch six innings and kept the team in the game. He ended the day giving up eight hits and two walks, but added four strikeouts.
The ex-Gator has had a rough season to this point, with an ERA of 5.52 and a record of 8-11. Singer has been unable to find much success this year despite a breakout 2022 season and his team has struggled overall.
The positive thing for Singer is that he is a young pitcher and has shown some flashes of greatness during moments of the season. He will continue to pitch for the Royals as the season comes to a close and will look to do his part to contribute to wins down the stretch.
Brady Singer surrendered four runs in six innings, striking out four batters. #Royals
Singer on his inconsistent velocity: "It was a little tough to work with that. I was able to get through six there and hand it off to the bullpen, and the bullpen did a tremendous job." pic.twitter.com/CsD6Z4Hifv
— Bally Sports Kansas City (@BallySportsKC) September 18, 2023
Kowar appeared out of the bullpen for Kansas City in the eighth inning. He pitched one scoreless inning, recorded two strikeouts and picked up the victory to improve his record to 2-0. Kowar has had an inconsistent 2023 as well, but has looked much better in recent appearances. He has only allowed one hit in his last three outings and will look to build on this success heading into 2024.
