Cole Ragans tied a Royals pitching record before his Saturday start fell apart

Cole Ragans couldn’t have asked for a better start against the Houston Astros on Saturday night.

The Kansas City Royals starter struck out eight of the first nine batters he faced. The 2024 All-Star was efficient and made quick work of the dynamic Astros lineup.

However, things quickly took a downturn.

The Astros scored five runs in the sixth inning to ruin Ragans’ night. Houston held on to win 5-2 and clinched a series victory at Minute Maid Park.

The Royals fell to 75-62 and have lost four consecutive games. KC also struggled offensively for the second night in a row.

Astros starter Yusei Kikuchi limited the Royals to four hits. He matched Ragans by striking out 12 batters. Royals third baseman Paul DeJong, who kept the Royals in Friday’s game, struck out three times.

The Royals scored their first run in the sixth. Nick Loftin hit into a fielder’s choice as designated hitter Freddy Fermin scored from third.

Later, Bobby Witt Jr. hit a solo home run into the Crawford Boxes in left field. It was his 29th home run of the season.

Kikuchi earned his third win since joining the Astros. He has allowed three earned runs or fewer in six starts with the club.

Houston improved to 74-62. KC remains 2.5 games behind the Cleveland Guardians in the American League Central. The Guardians lost 3-0 to the Pittsburgh Pirates on Saturday.

Missed previous games of the series?

Game 1: Royals dealt significant blow as Vinnie Pasquantino, Lucas Erceg leave with injuries

Game 2: Jose Altuve hits walk-off double as Royals lose third straight game

Here are more notables from Saturday’s game:

Cole Ragans ties Royals single-game record

Ragans was sharp early against the Astros.

In the third inning, he reached eight consecutive strikeouts to tie the Royals record. Ragans matched former Royals starter Blake Stein, who reached the feat against the Milwaukee Brewers in 2001.

Ragans recorded double-digit strikeouts for the third time this season. The last time he recorded 10 or more strikeouts was on June 24 against the Miami Marlins.

Despite allowing five runs, Ragans was solid for the majority of the night. He relied on his four-seam fastball that topped out at 97.6 mph and registered 23 swings.

His final line: five innings, five earned runs, four hits, 10 strikeouts.

Reinforcements coming for Kansas City Royals roster

Several new additions are expected to join the Kansas City Royals roster tomorrow.

Earlier on Saturday, the Royals claimed outfielders Tommy Pham (Cardinals) and Robbie Grossman (Rangers) on waivers. Both are expected to report on Sunday.

Also expected to report: a new addition in veteran first baseman Yuli Gurriel, who the Royals traded for on Saturday.

The Royals were able to trade for Gurriel, an eight-year MLB veteran, due to him remaining in the minor leagues this season.

Next on the Royals’ schedule:

The Royals conclude their four-game series against the Astros on Sunday. KC will start right-hander Alec Marsh in the afternoon matchup.

Marsh allowed four runs (two earned) against the Guardians in Game 2 of last Monday’s doubleheader at Progressive Field. He is 3-4 with a 4.89 ERA in 10 road starts.

The Astros will start right-hander Ronel Blanco on Sunday. Blanco is 9-6 with a 3.14 ERA this season.