Cole Ragans shines with 10 strikeouts and first win of the season

In Cleveland, on April 13, 2025, Cole Ragans pitched an impressive game for the Kansas City Royals, demonstrating resilience by overcoming a left hamstring cramp to secure his first win of the season. The 27-year-old left-hander threw for 7 2/3 innings, striking out 10 batters and allowing just four hits, two of which resulted in runs, one being earned. This performance was significant not only for Ragans, who finished fourth in American League Cy Young Award voting the previous year, but also for the Royals, as they halted the Cleveland Guardians' five-game winning streak. The game began with the Guardians taking an early 2-0 lead in the second inning, thanks to an RBI double from Daniel Schneemann, which was compounded by a throwing error from Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. However, Ragans then found his form, retiring nine consecutive batters and 17 out of his last 18. His ability to maintain focus was pivotal, especially as he dealt with the discomfort of a tightening hamstring. The turning point for the Royals came in the fourth inning when Salvador Perez hit a two-run home run, leveling the score at 2-2. In a decisive fifth inning, Maikel Garcia delivered a two-run double that allowed the Royals to take a 4-2 lead. Kansas City's victory underscores the importance of pitching deep into games, as seen with Ragans’ strategic approach in which he threw 64 of his 89 pitches for strikes. Carlos Estévez closed the game for Kansas City, earning his fifth save of the season by striking out three batters in the ninth after allowing a single. Ragans' performance places him among the elite in Royals' history as he became the second pitcher to strike out 10 or more batters in three consecutive starts, following Kevin Appier in 1996. As the Royals move forward, the organization is optimistic regarding Ragans' next scheduled appearance, likely on Friday in Detroit, reflecting their confidence in his health and capabilities. The match exemplifies not only the challenges and triumphs faced in baseball but also the profound impact of a single player’s performance on the outcomes of games in a long season.