Kansas City Royals: The Stars of the Opening Series

This is no April Fool’s Day joke…the Kansas City Royals earned a series victory over the Chicago White Sox in the Opening Series of the 2019 season. Who were the stars for the Royals?

The Kansas City Royals proved victorious in their Opening Series of 2019, 2-1 over the Chicago White Sox. While it is by no means telling of how the rest of the season will go, here’s a quick look at some of the stars of the first series.

Whit Merrifield

Whit Merrifield was solid atop the Royals lineup in all three games against the White Sox. He tallied a hit, a walk, and scored two runs in the first game. In game two, he had just one hit with two RBI’s and scored a run of his own, and he rounded out the series with another hit and walk.

Overall, he’s started his season with a .273/.385/.273 slash, which is a great start. He’s a reliable hitter to have in the leadoff spot, and his versatility in the field gives him the potential to have a phenomenal 2019.

Jorge Soler

Having Jorge Soler back for the DH slot proved helpful over the weekend as well. In game one, he knocked in two runs on two hits. In game two, he matched his three hits with three RBI’s and tacked on a walk. Game three was not a very productive one at the plate for Soler, who played right field in the final game of the series.

His 2019 campaign is beginning with a slash of .455/.500/.727. Needless to say, it is good to have Soler back from injury.

Kyle Zimmer

Kyle Zimmer had the opportunity for one inning in relief in game three. Though the Royals did not come out on top, he pitched well. He yielded just one hit while striking out two in the midst of a scoreless inning of work. In his first taste of big league ball, he showed great potential.

Ian Kennedy

In game two, Ian Kennedy took to the mound looking for his first career save. Though he gave up two hits, he was successful. In the inning, he struck out one. It is unclear yet who will be the go-to closer, but congrats are in order for Kennedy’s first career save.

Brad Keller

The Opening Day starter was wisely chosen by the Royals staff. Brad Keller threw for seven scoreless innings, giving up just two hits and walking one. He added five strikeouts to his stat line for the day.

Now that baseball season is in full swing, there are plenty of good, young players to watch for the Kansas City Royals. Plus, starting out 2019 winning two of three is not a bad way to begin the season!