Kansas City Royals’ Maikel Garcia hits 1st MLB home run. His reward? The Salvy Splash

Kansas City Royals pitcher Brady Singer hit all the right notes against the Colorado Rockies on Sunday afternoon.

Singer showcased his full arsenal in a pitcher’s duel against Kyle Freeland. Singer created a symphonic melody with his sinker, slider and changeup. The three pitches recorded a tune rarely heard from Royals starters this season … a shutdown outing.

The Rockies were mesmerized all afternoon. Singer worked 5 2/3 innings of work and struck out seven batters. He allowed five hits and didn’t issue a walk.

The Royals provided enough run support to salvage a 2-0 victory in the series finale.

“We were battling,” Singer said. “(Freeland) was really good but our guys put some good at-bats together and got some runs across.”

Singer was effective with his command. He threw 42 sliders and generated 21 swings and nine whiffs. Singer also threw 50 sinkers that averaged 92.3 mph upon delivery.

He noted that the slider had some good movement. The change of direction caused the Rockies to chase and kept them off balance.

As a result, each pitch played an integral role in his outing.

“I think the sinker was a lot better than it has been lately,” Singer said. “We were kind of able to attack there with it and the slider was really good.”

Singer was also happy to limit his walks. It was a focal point as he prepared for the start. Royals manager Matt Quatraro was equally impressed and called it a step in the right direction.

“I think that’s who we think he is. That’s who he is going to be for us when things turn,” Quatraro said. “He is going to be a guy who goes six or seven innings for us consistently.”

The Royals didn’t squander the strong start. In the fifth inning, Michael Massey drove home MJ Melendez with an RBI-single. Later, Maikel Garcia hit a solo blast in the eighth inning. It was his first career home run.

Royals closer Scott Barlow got the save in the ninth. It was his seventh of the season and his 50th in his career. He tied Mike MacDougal for eighth in saves in franchise history.

Missed previous games of the series?

Game 1: Royals waste Jordan Lyles’ strong outing against Rockies

Game 2: Bobby Witt Jr.’s two costly mistakes doom Royals in 6-4 loss

Here’s a look back at Sunday’s game...

Maikel Garcia circles bases for first time

Royals infielder Maikel Garcia is learning at the big-league level. The talented rookie reached a career milestone on Sunday as he hit his first career home run.

In the eighth inning, Garcia drilled a solo shot over the center-field wall. The home run traveled 414 feet and had a 101.1-mph exit velocity.

“Very happy. After running all the bases, I got nervous as I was waiting for it to get reviewed,” Garcia said through a club translator. “Hopefully, it was a home run.”

The play was indeed sent to official review before umpires confirmed the decision.

Garcia finished 1 for 3 in the game.

Afterwards, he enjoyed the signature “Salvy Splash” he has seen from the dugout numerous times. It was a cool moment as he delivered on his home run promise to Royals teammate Nicky Lopez.

“Nicky Lopez before the game said, ‘Hey, make a homer,’” Garcia said. “I tried to and that’s what I got today.”

Moose receives strong ovation in return to The K

Mike Moustakas received a warm welcome in his return to Kauffman Stadium. In the first inning, Moustakas was greeted with a long ovation from Royals fans, who also yelled out “Moose” in unison.

He tipped his helmet and waved in appreciation. It was his third time back at Kauffman Stadium, but his first playing in front of the fan base.

The Royals selected Moustakas in the first round of the 2007 MLB draft. He spent eight seasons with the Royals and was instrumental in winning the 2015 World Series.

“I love these people and I love this team,” Moustakas told The Star. “So I’m happy that I got to come back here and be a part of it again.”

Moustakas tallied 139 homers and 441 RBIs in his Royals tenure. He made two All-Star appearances during the 2015 and 2017 campaign.

What’s next: The Royals hit the road for a three-game series against the Miami Marlins. Carlos Hernandez will be the opener for Monday’s game. Meanwhile, Zack Greinke and Jordan Lyles are in line to start Game 2 and Game 3 respectively.