Cole Ragans ready for Game 1 start vs. Orioles: ‘Give our team the best chance to win’
Kansas City Royals starter Cole Ragans will get another look at the Baltimore Orioles, and he is hoping for better results this time around.
Ragans lasted 1 ⅔ innings against the Orioles on April 20 at Kauffman Stadium. It was his shortest start of the season after he exited in the second inning. The Orioles tagged him with seven earned runs that night.
And Ragans hasn’t forgotten about it.
“It just wasn’t a good day,” Ragans said. “I just didn’t execute.”
Both teams have changed since that disastrous day. The Royals added more veterans in Michael Lorenzen, Yuli Gurriel, Tommy Pham and Robbie Grossman. The Orioles continued to recall some of their younger players such as top prospect Jackson Holiday.
Ragans is treating his Game 1 assignment of the American League Wild Card series like any other start. However, there is a lot at stake with the Royals making the playoffs for the first time since 2015.
The organization trusts Ragans in the key role. And Ragans is prepared to take the baseball in perhaps the biggest game of the season.
“It makes you feel good that they have that faith in you,” Ragans said. “It’s just, build off of it. They trust me, so it’s (putting) in the work behind the scenes. Prepare the best I can prepare and give our team the best chance to win a ball game.”
Ragans went 11-9 with a 3.14 ERA in 32 starts this season. He pitched a career-high 186 ⅓ innings and struck out 223 batters. The Royals chose Ragans to be their opening day starter to begin 2024.
He exceeded expectations with a stellar season. Ragans was named a first-time MLB All-Star and emerged as a front-line ace.
“To Cole’s credit, he attacked the offseason and spring training like he was trying to make the team and not the opening day starter,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “He took nothing for granted, which I think speaks volumes about his character and personality the way he approaches every day.”
The Orioles will start their ace pitcher Corbin Burnes. He also produced a standout campaign with a 2.92 ERA in 32 starts. Burnes will make his third start opposite Ragans and is excited for the impending pitchers’ duel.
Orioles manager Brandon Hyde also welcomes the challenge. He felt Ragans will be tough given his ability to command the strike zone.
“Cole is one of the premier left-handers in the game,” Hyde said. “He’s got great stuff, and we are going to have our hands full. This guy has a big-time fastball and it’s going to be a challenge.”
Game 1 is set for 3:08 p.m. Central from Orioles Park at Camden Yards. The game will be broadcast on ESPN2.
