Royals vs Nats Preview: Pitching Drama in Week 64

The Nationals crushed the Royals 7-3 yesterday at home, and let me tell you, it was a slugfest. Crews launched a monster homer to left field that sailed 366 feet — the crowd at Nationals Park went wild. Washington's bats stayed hot all game, with García Jr. and Nuñez racking up hits and runs. The Royals scored early but couldn't keep pace. Tonight, Kansas City wants payback. Michael Wacha takes the mound for the Royals, bringing veteran smarts and experience. But Washington's young pitcher Foster Griffin will try to shut down Kansas City's comeback hopes. This series just got interesting.

Michael Wacha is the veteran stability Kansas City's rotation needs right now. The 34-year-old has played for five different teams and knows how to get outs in big spots. He carries a 3.96 ERA this season with solid strikeout stuff. The Royals' pitching staff is built around rising star Cole Ragans and closer Carlos Estévez, but injuries have hit hard. Ragans is dealing with elbow trouble and Seth Lugo got hurt by a line drive. Wacha stepping up tonight matters big. If he keeps the Nationals' bats in check, Kansas City stays close in this series.

Kansas City is 29-43 this season, and the road hasn't been smooth. First baseman Vinnie Pasquantino had surgery on his hand and won't return until mid-July. Center fielder Kyle Isbel tore his plantar fascia and is sidelined long-term. Cole Ragans' elbow setback pushed back his return date. These injuries pile up, but the Royals just won their last game and snapped a tough stretch. They're hungry to keep that momentum rolling. Tonight at Nationals Park, Kansas City faces a Washington team sitting at 37-35 — both squads fighting for every win. This matchup is about who bounces back stronger.