Jack Flaherty looks to build on a strong performance as the Detroit Tigers face the Kansas City Royals in the final game of their three-game series on July 30, 2023. The veteran right-hander delivered a dominant outing in his last start, tossing seven scoreless innings against the Houston Astros, allowing just three hits while striking out nine and walking one.
Flaherty’s previous two starts had raised questions about his effectiveness, as he combined to give up 10 earned runs over nine innings. His recent performance, however, has eased those concerns. “Just continue to execute pitches,” Flaherty stated. “It’s the same thing I’ve been preaching on good and bad days. The more you execute, the more things are going to happen.”
The 29-year-old pitcher, who was integral to the Los Angeles Dodgers’ World Series run last season, has been a valuable asset for the Tigers since they acquired him at last year’s trade deadline. Flaherty re-signed with the team during the offseason and has recorded a quality start 10 times this season, despite some inconsistency.
Tigers manager A.J. Hinch highlighted Flaherty’s meticulous approach, saying, “He’s a perfectionist by nature and he expects a lot out of himself. Everything is detailed out to what he’s trying to do and he stays the course.” Flaherty has a stellar record against the Royals, boasting a 4-0 record with a remarkable 0.72 ERA in 25 innings over four career starts against them.
Opposing Pitcher Seth Lugo Seeks Consistency
Seth Lugo, who will take the mound for the Royals, is also looking to continue his resurgence. The 35-year-old right-hander rebounded from two rough outings to deliver a solid performance against the Texas Rangers, allowing two runs, three hits, and two walks over 6 1/3 innings while striking out five.
Lugo emphasized the importance of maintaining confidence on the mound, stating, “It’s part of the game. You play long enough that you go through stretches like that. Learn from the past. You try not to overthink it.” He made minor adjustments to his approach, stating, “I was working a little too quickly and I was able to correct that.” In six career starts against the Tigers, Lugo has a 3-2 record and a 3.53 ERA.
The Tigers have won the first two games of this series, marking a five-game winning streak that has extended their lead in the American League Central Division to 11.5 games over the second-place Royals.
In a notable moment from Saturday’s game, Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino had his franchise-tying record of five consecutive games with a home run snapped during the Tigers’ 4-2 victory.
As the series concludes, both Flaherty and Lugo will aim to solidify their performances, with Flaherty hoping to maintain his momentum and Lugo seeking consistency against a formidable opponent.
