With a 10-3 home win on Tuesday night against the Detroit Tigers, the Kansas City Royals did something for only the second time in their 56-year franchise history. Kansas City has won 31 of their first 50 games for only the second time in franchise history. The first time was in 1976. They finished 90-72 in 1976 and lost in the American League Championship Series to the New York Yankees.
Kansas City is riding high thanks to a five-game winning streak and are winners of 11 of their last 14 games.
The Kansas City Royals(31-19) are currently in second place in the American League Central, only 1.5 games back of the first-place Cleveland Guardians. Kansas City currently occupies the second of three American League Wild Card spots nearly a third of the way through the regular season.
Will Kansas City be able to keep up this hot start?
Kansas City Royals Season Summary
The @Royals have won 31 of their first 50 games for the second time (1976) in franchise history. pic.twitter.com/2XnGdFTFis
— MLB (@MLB) May 22, 2024
The Royals strong start has been led by a high-powered offense. They are eighth in the league in batting average, fifth in runs scored, and sixth in stolen bases. Perennial All-Star Catcher Salvador Perez is having a career resurgence in 2024 as he is third in the league in batting average(.343), fifth in RBI(39), and sixth in OPS(.964). Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. has also had a breakout 2024 campaign and hit two home runs in Tuesday night’s victory.
Kansas City’s pitching staff has also played a large role in such a strong 50-game stretch to begin the 2024 season. They are eighth in ERA, fourth in saves, and have surrendered the fourth-fewest home runs this season. Starting Pitcher Seth Lugo has been one of the best pitchers in the league this season. He is tied for second in the league with seven wins and his 1.79 ERA is fifth-best in Major League Baseball. Kansas City Royals closer James McArthur is also sixth in the league with 11 saves.
Royals Upcoming Schedule
The Kansas City Royals aim for their sixth consecutive win later today as they close out a three-game set against the Detroit Tigers. The Royals have a day off Thursday before heading out for a seven-game road trip against the Tampa Bay Rays and Minnesota Twins.
Kansas City’s strong start has them in prime position to return to the MLB Playoffs for the first since they won the 2015 World Series. It has been a rough stretch for the Royals as they have also not finished with a winning record since 2015.
About The Author
Justin has always loved sports. He has previously written for Sports Illustrated and 247Sports. He is always willing to talk football (NFL or college) and basketball, whether it’s on the women’s or men’s side, college or pro! Check out all the great content Total Apex Sports has to offer. Check us out on X @TotalApexSports and our other sites: Total Apex Sports Bets and Total Apex Fantasy