Cole Ragans pitched through a left hamstring cramp for 7⅔ innings, securing his first win of the season as the Kansas City Royals beat the Cleveland Guardians 4-2. The 27-year-old left-hander struck out 10 and walked none, allowing two runs on four hits.
Ragans was feeling pain in his hamstring throughout the game but intensified after getting Austin Hedges to pop out in the eighth inning. Manager Matt Quatraro praised Ragans for being honest about his condition and making smart decisions on the mound. “He was trying to be smart and not push through it, which was the right thing to do,” Quatraro said.
Ragans’ performance set a Royals record for most strikeouts in three consecutive starts with at least 10, joining Kevin Appier in 1996. He threw 89 pitches and earned his first win of the season, leading the Royals to victory despite Cleveland’s early lead.
Source: https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/44660951/royals-cole-ragans-fights-hamstring-cramping-get-1st-win