KC Royals: Brady Singer was ‘almost’ immaculate in win

The KC Royals needed to bounce back after their shutout loss. Luckily, Brady Singer was ready to get back on the mound and show what he’s got.

The KC Royals were on a good winning streak of 6 games before it came to an end in Tuesday’s 6-0 loss to the Detroit Tigers. In past seasons, it would be easy to suggest the Royals would take the loss of momentum and spiral into another losing streak. Thankfully, this season is different.

The Royals have found some progress and hope in their pitching staff in 2020 and while the offense still has days where they struggle at the plate, the pitchers are usually there to ensure they stay in the game.

From the start in last night’s game, Brady Singer made his presence known. In the first inning, he threw 10 pitches and struck out 3. Had he only thrown 9 pitches, he would have had an immaculate inning, though, 3 strikeouts on 10 pitches is still impressive for the young prospect.

There were questions about how Singer would pitch in this game, his response to his almost perfect game in his previous start. Any concerns were put to rest. Singer pitched 6 shutout innings, giving up only 2 hits, 1 walk, and striking out 8. He only threw 81 pitches on the night, but it’s likely manager Mike Matheny wanted to give him some rest after his last start.

Singer has now brought his ERA down to 4.14, his FIP is at 4.24, and has a win-loss record at 3-4. He still has some work to do, especially with walks, but he is doing exactly as was expected of him for now. He is starting to adapt to major league hitting and is putting up the numbers that the Royals knew he could.

Singer wasn’t the only pitcher who put on a show last night though. Once he was out of the game, the Royals bullpen made quick work of the Tigers, not allowing another hit. Jesse Hahn came on for the 7th and managed 1 strikeout and all 3 outs with only 8 pitches. His ERA is riding at an outstanding 0.79 over his 11.1 innings of work. It’s a small sample, but a good start for the pitcher who has struggled with injury.

Scott Barlow pitched a clean 8th, needing only 10 pitches to get 3 outs with 2 strikeouts. His ERA is sitting at a nice 3.60 and his FIP is at 3.19. He also is tied for the major league lead in games played with the Royals new (old) closer, Greg Holland.

Holland was in for the 9th after Barlow, though it wasn’t a save situation. He threw 19 pitches with 1 strikeout and has worked his ERA down to 2.05 with an FIP of 2.62. He is starting to look like the old Greg Holland and is making a case for a spot in 2021.

The offense was fairly quiet with only the top of the order managing to get any hits, but Salvador Perez kept his bat hot, driving in 3 of the 4 runs with a 2 run home run and a double. Merrifield provided the other on a wild pitch.

The season is quickly coming to an end and the Royals are likely already looking towards 2021, but these end of the season games will still be important. The Royals are using this time to get a look at their young players and see who may stick around for the future.

There has been plenty of struggle in 2020, but things are starting to look better and the future in Kansas City is looking bright.

Brady Singer impressed again in last night’s win over Detroit. Hopefully, the Royals can keep the momentum and end the season on a high note.