KANSAS CITY -- Manager Mike Matheny has emphasized throughout this season that the Royals look at every series they play the same, as a chance to win regardless of the opponent.\n\nBut when Kansas City takes three out of four against the American League Central-leading White Sox, there’s no doubt it’s a big deal.\n\nThe Royals finished this week’s four-game series with a 5-0 victory on Thursday at Kauffman Stadium, clinching their first series victory over the White Sox since Sept. 10-12, 2019. Kansas City has three consecutive series wins, something it hasn't accomplished since Aug. 30-Sept. 12, 2019, when it won four straight.
“All four games, we were right there in it and fighting,” Matheny said. “I believe this about this team. These guys need to realize how good we can be when we put things together. And we’ve talked about it since the opener. Let’s put all the pieces together, and let’s see what it looks like when things are clicking.\n\n“And we have some things clicking.”
• Notes: Tapia impressing out of bullpen
With Friday’s 3 p.m. CT Trade Deadline less than 24 hours away, Kansas City is the hottest team in the Majors with a 9-3 record out of the All-Star break.
On a stretch like the Royals are on, while knowing it’s a very small sample in a full 162-game season, one can see why Kansas City believes it can contend in 2022. And why, ahead of Friday, general manager Dayton Moore said he would need to be “overwhelmed” with a deal to trade any of 2022’s key contributors -- like
“The entire staff, seeing what they’ve done, is really motivating,” Hernández said. “I want to be part of that.”\n\nThere’s no doubt that Kansas City's first half of the season -- one it finished 17 games under .500 -- was disappointing. It’s why there are questions surrounding the message that 2022 is the year to circle with contention hopes. But out of the All-Star break, there have been positive developments with the young pitching, including
Backed by the starting pitching, the offense is also finding its groove. On Thursday, the offense erupted against White Sox starter Carlos Rodón, starting with
“It’s super encouraging knowing that they’re one of the best teams in baseball and knowing that when we put it all together and put out a good product, we can compete with anyone,” shortstop