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Kolek Shuts Out Astros in Royals' 4-0 Win

His seven-plus scoreless innings and timely role-player offense give Kansas City much-needed pitching stability before a road trip after the team announced first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino could miss up to six weeks.

Overview

  • The Royals avoided a series sweep with a 4-0 victory at Kauffman Stadium on Sunday, improving to 29-43 after a 2-4 homestand.
  • Stephen Kolek delivered 7 1/3 scoreless innings, allowing five hits, one walk and four strikeouts and lowering his season ERA to 2.68.
  • Maikel Garcia drove in three runs, including a two-run double in the third, while Bobby Witt Jr. had two hits, a diving catch and stole his MLB-leading 25th and 26th bases on his birthday.
  • Kansas City announced late Sunday that first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino could miss up to six weeks with a hand injury, which will force lineup changes and greater reliance on depth options.
  • Relievers Steven Cruz and Daniel Lynch IV preserved the shutout late in the game, and Kolek’s length helps plug rotation holes while starters Seth Lugo, Cole Ragans and Kris Bubic remain on the injured list.