Gray outjunks Lugo in 3-1 loss to Red Sox
One guy was just a bit better at throwing “everything and the kitchen sink” tonight. Maybe the Royals need a plumber.
KANSAS CITY, MISSOURI - MAY 18: Michael Massey #19 of the Kansas City Royals is tagged out by Connor Wong #12 of the Boston Red Sox as he tries to score in the fifth inning at Kauffman Stadium on May 18, 2026 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) | Getty Images In a matchup of kitchen sink junkballers, only one team was able to make anything happen in a low-scoring 3-1 Royals loss. Seth Lugo gave up a two-run home run to Willson Contreras in the sixth inning, his 10th homer of the season, and that was 50% of the runs scored from either team the whole game.
That home run now also represents 50% of the home runs given up by Lugo all season. Coincidences! That’s not to say Lugo was bad.
He wasn’t. Both these guys were throwing all their junk. MLB Statcast picked up 8 different pitch types from Lugo and 6 from Sonny Gray.
Gray’s was much more effective, though. His top pitch thrown was his four-seam fastball, but the sweeper was just behind it. He got 13 swings against the sweeper and 7 whiffs!