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It’s a great day to honor the Negro League as the Royals and Tigers will go at it today for the 10th time this season at 1:10 CDT. Hopefully the rain will hold off to allow a couple of 2018 draftees to battle it out for the series win.
The Royals will give the ball to the 2018 40th overall pick, Kris Bubic who was masterful in his first start of the season on Tuesday. The left-hander didn’t allow a Brewer to score through his six innings of work.
After starting the year at the alternate site, Bubic has been pitching with a chip on his shoulder. In five appearances, Bubic has only allowed two runs and both of them were in his first outing of the year. His scoreless innings streak is up to 17.2.
The Tigers give the nod to the 2018 first overall pick, Casey Mize in hopes to win back-to-back series over the Royals. In eight starts this season (two against the Royals), Mize has a 3.69 ERA.
The right-hander last faced the Royals on May 12, when he went six innings allowing two runs on three hits. Back on April 23, the Royals roughed up Mize scoring 6 runs in just 4.2 innings.
The Royals hitters hope to honor the Kansas City Monarchs by playing scrappy baseball defensively and at the plate to win the series. Hopefully Andrew Benintendi can continue his hot streak at the plate today against the pitcher he got his first Royals home run off of in Mize.
It will be interesting to see how manager Mike Matheny handles the bullpen with a day off tomorrow. Last night’s game did not end according to plan with closer Josh Staumont looking shaky and pitching 36 pitches.
The Royals will be wearing these incredible Monarchs jerseys today and first 10k will get a Jackie Robinson shirt.
First 10K fans will receive a Jackie Robinson Monarchs tee!
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) May 20, 2021
https://t.co/yg24iMZ4C7 pic.twitter.com/9WfIdUoatl
Line Ups
Here's how we'll take the field today as we Salute To The Negro Leagues.#TogetherRoyal pic.twitter.com/MjboEALCV9
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) May 23, 2021
Casey Mize takes the mound for the rubber match. pic.twitter.com/CXNRa3auLU
— Detroit Tigers (@tigers) May 23, 2021