The Kansas City Royals have been one of Major League Baseball’s biggest surprises this year. Their offense has been powered by elite shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. On the mound, one Royals pitcher has stood out through the first quarter of the season. Cole Ragans has been one of the best pitchers in the American League this year, and on Wednesday, he shined even brighter.
Ragans turned in a career performance against the Detroit Tigers. The southpaw left the game six innings in, but made his mark on the game. He twirled a gem, throwing six scoreless innings, allowed just one hit, and struck out a career-high 12 Tiger batters. Ragans threw three walks, but a 4:1 K:BB ratio is really, really something.
The popular Pitching Ninja account on X posted some of Ragans’ nastiest pitches this afternoon.
Cole Ragans, 10th, 11th and 12th Ks.👏👏👏 pic.twitter.com/UOjFVdjlVH
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 22, 2024
Cole Ragans, 97mph ⛽️
9th K thru 5…and 🤫 pic.twitter.com/jxGCpSNVyU
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 22, 2024
Cole Ragans, Vicious 87mph Slider. 😤
7th K thru 3. pic.twitter.com/tpBjPGpTGv
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 22, 2024
Cole Ragans, Nasty 85mph Changeup. 👌
6th K pic.twitter.com/CL8ZEiueuw
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 22, 2024
Cole Ragans, 97mph ⛽️
3rd K pic.twitter.com/qrhbiOzggl
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) May 22, 2024
MLB helped to celebrate Ragans’ career day at the office with a celebratory post.
Cole Ragans sets a new career high with 12 Ks! 😤 pic.twitter.com/3QJIFFd2Ex
— MLB (@MLB) May 22, 2024
Cole Ragans continues to be a pitcher that, if you don’t know his name now, you might want to get to know him. It’s possible he pitches in this year’s All-Star Game, which could provide a massive platform for the emerging left-hander.
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Cole Ragans sets a new career high with 12 Ks! 😤 pic.twitter.com/3QJIFFd2Ex — MLB (@MLB) May 22, 2024 “>MLB