Bounce-back start from Cole Ragans & another Bobby Witt Jr. HR lead Royals past Cubs

Kansas City Royals starter Cole Ragans turned in a quality start against the Chicago Cubs on Friday afternoon, and a previously struggling bullpen helped slam the door shut.

Ragans, who was making his fifth start with the organization, rebounded after a tough outing against the St. Louis Cardinals last Saturday. He allowed three runs, eight hits and struck out nine batters across six innings of work.

The Royals provided just enough offense in a 4-3 victory over the Cubs. KC has won five consecutive games head-to-head against the Cubs.

“That’s a textbook win,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “You get ahead after six (innings) and you throw up three zeroes. We couldn’t ask for anything more from those guys.”

Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. provided the decisive runs. In the sixth inning, Witt hit his 24th home run in 2023 off Cubs starter Jameson Taillon. The two-run blast scored Royals infielder Matt Duffy, who had come on as an injury replacement.

Taillon dropped to 7-8 on the season. He allowed four runs (two earned) over six innings.

Ragans earned his fourth victory this season. The Cubs did all their damage in the fourth inning, as they scored three runs on five hits. Cubs trio Jeimer Candelario, Christopher Morel and Nico Hoerner each recorded RBIs in the frame.

“It felt good,” Ragans said. “Me and (Royals catcher) Freddy (Fermin) had to make a few changes throughout the outing with our plan. They kind of adjusted to our plan pretty quick. We had to switch it up for the last couple of innings.”

However, Ragans settled down late. He finished his start with three consecutive strikeouts before turning it over to the Royals bullpen. Ragans threw 106 pitches and generated 20 called strikes and 14 whiffs.

Ragans has 36 strikeouts with the Royals. It’s the most strikeouts to begin a Royals career through five games.

“I gave up the leadoff single on the first pitch (of the sixth innning),” Ragans said. “I knew it would be my last inning as the pitch count was getting up there pretty high. I emptied the tank right there and gave it everything I had.”

The Royals bullpen responded after having had a couple of rough days. Four relievers didn’t allow a run in their appearances on Friday.

Carlos Hernandez nailed down his second save of the season. He was aided by Royals outfielder Drew Waters, who threw out Hoerner attempting to reach second base and scoring position after a one-out single.

“You never know what’s going to happen after that if he is safe,” Quatraro said. “It was right on the money and a tremendous throw. That’s not an easy corner to play.”

The Royals improved to 40-84.

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Here are more notables from Friday’s game:

Bobby Baseball: Witt hits 24th home run

Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. didn’t waste time leaving his imprint at Wrigley Field.

Witt, who has been red-hot in recent weeks, hit his 24th home run in the sixth inning. He drove an 86.3 mph cutter over the center-field wall. The blast traveled 394 feet.

“I looked back at it and it was right down the middle,” Witt said. “I’m just being able to capitalize on those pitches that are over the heart of the plate.”

The Royals took a 4-3 lead.

Witt has recorded four home runs in his last seven games. During that span, Witt has 13 hits and 10 RBIs. He also hit a grand slam and recorded an inside-the-park home run against the Seattle Mariners.

Maikel Garcia exits with upper-body injury

Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia left Friday’s game against the Cubs. In the fourth inning, Garcia was replaced at third base by Matt Duffy.

The Royals announced that Garcia exited with left upper-body discomfort. He is considered day-to-day.

Garcia dealt with a similar injury last week. He initially felt discomfort on Aug. 11 against the St. Louis Cardinals. He missed one game and was back in the lineup on Monday ahead of a four-game set with the Seattle Mariners.

Garcia finished 0 for 2 in the game. He snapped a career-best 18 game hitting streak against the Mariners on Thursday.

This season, Garcia is hitting .284 with four home runs and 40 RBIs. He also has 18 stolen bases and a .707 OPS (on-base plus slugging percentage).

What’s next: The Royals continue their three-game series against the Cubs. Brady Singer will start Saturday’s game against Chicago hurler Justin Steele.