Watch Flirt with the Jewel: 7 Dominant Innings vs. Tigers

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – Michael Wacha showed a great performance, making it clear that he still had energy if needed.

The pitcher came close to achieving the longest no-hitter of his career on Saturday, allowing a single with one out to Colt Keith in the seventh inning, in the Kansas City Royals’ 1-0 victory over the Detroit Tigers. Although Wacha was not the winning pitcher, his performance was the best in his two seasons with the Royals.

It’s the best change he’s had all year. He used his curve more effectively. It’s hard to find something to criticize. There was a lot of soft contact.

Matt Quatraro, manager

When Quatraro was asked if he would have given Wacha the opportunity to complete the game if the no-hitter was maintained, he responded:

I was hoping he would make it. He had six days of rest between his last outing and this one. He has some extra rest before the next one, if everything goes as it is. So I was hoping we could go for it.

Matt Quatraro, manager

Before Keith’s hit, Wacha only allowed one runner on base, with a walk to Gleyber Torres in the fourth inning. In seven innings, he didn’t allow any runner to reach second base.

Obviously, I knew what was going on. I kept trying to take it to another level and keep making my pitches, and keep executing like I had done practically all day. I just tried to put it in the back of my mind and keep making quality pitches.

Michael Wacha

Quatraro enjoyed the effort of both pitchers despite the scoreless game.

You can appreciate the game, right? I mean, you have two very good pitchers there, two good teams, and that’s a fun game. Sure, I would have preferred to be up 7-0 and not have to worry about it, but I appreciated what was happening.

Matt Quatraro, manager

A single by Vinnie Pasquantino in the eighth inning drove in Nick Loftin from second for the game’s only run, while Wacha and Detroit’s Tarik Skubal delivered outstanding performances.

Loftin hit a ball that bounced off the wall, initially believing it was a home run.

Probably one of the best balls I’ve hit here. Frankly, I didn’t realize how big that stadium was.

Nick Loftin

Wacha, who has never thrown a no-hitter in his professional career, was ready to try.

Absolutely. I wouldn’t want to leave a game like that for sure. But unfortunately, I allowed a hit. That made it a little easier for Q.

Michael Wacha