Overview
- Stephen Kolek threw a nine-inning shutout on Saturday, finishing with two strikeouts, efficient pitch work and facing only two batters over the minimum.
- Kansas City opened the game with a three-run first inning sparked by a leadoff double from Maikel Garcia, an infield hit by Bobby Witt Jr., and a run-scoring chopper by Vinnie Pasquantino.
- Seattle starter George Kirby lasted six innings while yielding nine hits (eight singles), recording three strikeouts and no walks as the Mariners managed just four hits and one walk all game.
- The 5-0 win was the Royals’ first complete-game shutout since 2020, marked Kolek’s second career CGSO, and gave Kansas City the edge in the season series against Seattle.
- The teams meet in the series finale Sunday with Seth Lugo starting for the Royals and Bryan Woo for the Mariners, and the Royals will try to build on the rare pitching lift to end their recent offensive slump.