3.) YORDANO VENTURA GAVE ROYALS WHAT THEY NEEDED
Ventura’s line on Wednesday night was far from dominant. He went 6.0 innings, allowing 6 hits, 3 walks, and 3 runs while only striking out one. But, Ventura notched only the third quality start in the KC Royals last 14 games.
Betsided
That’s a big deal to a tired bullpen that had to bail out Kris Medlen in the third inning last night.
Ventura clearly paced himself, knowing that his bullpen needed him to stay in the game. He didn’t overthrow and relied on his defense to make outs. It’s the kind of start that Ventura needs to turn into a true ace: keep his team in the game when he doesn’t have his dominant stuff.
Kudos to Yordano.
The soon to be 25-year-old Ventura (whose birthday is in June) is maturing before our eyes. The growth can’t come soon enough for the Kansas City Royals pitching staff that desperately needs to right the ship to break out of their two-week malaise.
Ventura earned his third win of the season (3-2) and reduced his season ERA to 4.62 (hardly impressive but a solid outcome).
Next: Kendrys Morales