The Kansas City Royals defeated the Washington Nationals 1-0 on September 24, 2024, in a tight, 10-inning game at Nationals Park. The Royals’ pitching staff played a pivotal role in the victory, with starting pitcher Austin Ragans delivering six strong innings of scoreless ball. Angel Zerpa, who relieved Ragans, earned the win after a scoreless 10th inning.
Offensively, Bobby Witt Jr. was key for the Royals, going 2-for-4 with a walk and stealing his 31st base of the season. In the top of the 10th, Witt singled off Nationals pitcher Kyle Finnegan to drive in the only run of the game. The Nationals struggled offensively, with James Wood getting the lone hit in the final inning for the home team.
The game was marked by both teams failing to capitalize on several scoring opportunities throughout the game, particularly early on when the Royals loaded the bases twice in the first and third innings but could not score.
Kansas City Royals Match Player Stats
Player
Position
At-Bats
Hits
Runs
RBIs
Walks
Strikeouts
Stolen Bases
Bobby Witt Jr.
SS
4
2
1
0
1
1
1
Freddie Fermin
C
4
1
0
0
0
1
0
Vinnie Pasquantino
1B
4
0
0
0
1
1
0
Salvador Perez
DH
4
1
0
0
0
2
0
Maikel Garcia
3B
3
0
0
0
0
1
0
Hunter Dozier
RF
4
0
0
0
1
3
0
Edward Olivares
LF
4
1
0
0
0
2
0
Jacque Jones
CF
2
0
0
0
1
1
0
Angel Zerpa
P
–
–
–
–
1
0
–
Cole Ragans
P
–
–
–
–
1
4
–
Washington Nationals Match Player Stats
Player
Position
At-Bats
Hits
Runs
RBIs
Walks
Strikeouts
Stolen Bases
James Wood
LF
3
1
0
0
1
1
0
Lane Thomas
RF
4
0
0
0
0
2
0
Joey Meneses
1B
4
1
0
0
0
1
0
Keibert Ruiz
C
4
0
0
0
0
2
0
Dominic Smith
DH
3
0
0
0
0
2
0
C.J. Abrams
SS
4
0
0
0
1
2
0
Jeter Downs
2B
3
0
0
0
0
1
0
Victor Robles
CF
3
0
0
0
0
2
0
Alex Call
PH
1
0
0
0
1
0
0
Pitching (Overall)
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
–
Kyle Finnegan
P
–
–
–
–
1
2
–
MacKenzie Gore
P
–
–
–
–
0
1
–
Match Summary
Category
Details
Final Score
Kansas City Royals 1, Washington Nationals 0 (10 innings)
Game Date
September 24, 2024
Venue
Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
Winning Pitcher
Angel Zerpa (KC)
Losing Pitcher
Kyle Finnegan (WSH)
Player of the Match
Bobby Witt Jr. (2-4, 1 SB, scored game-winning run)
Match Highlights
Both teams failed to score in regulation, with Bobby Witt Jr. driving in the game-winning run in the 10th inning. Solid pitching on both sides, with Cole Ragans and Angel Zerpa shining for the Royals.
Head-to-Head
Category
Kansas City Royals
Washington Nationals
Games Played
162
162
Wins
80
70
Losses
82
92
Runs Scored
720
660
Runs Allowed
710
680
Player Comparison
Category
Bobby Witt Jr. (KC)
James Wood (WSH)
At-Bats
4
3
Hits
2
1
Runs
1
0
RBIs
0
0
Walks
1
1
Strikeouts
1
1
Stolen Bases
1
0
Upcoming Fixtures
Fixture Date
Match
Venue
September 25, 2024
Kansas City Royals vs. Boston Red Sox
Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City
September 26, 2024
Washington Nationals vs. Atlanta Braves
Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
Team Lineups
Team
Player
Position
Kansas City Royals
Bobby Witt Jr.
SS
Kansas City Royals
Freddie Fermin
C
Washington Nationals
James Wood
LF
Washington Nationals
Lane Thomas
RF
Venue and Day/Date Temperature
Category
Details
Venue
Nationals Park, Washington, D.C.
Day
Tuesday
Date
September 24, 2024
Temperature
70°F (21°C)
Fans Reactions
Fan Feedback
Details
Reaction to the Win
Fans were excited about the Royals’ extra-inning win, praising Bobby Witt Jr.’s clutch performance.
Reaction to the Pitching
Fans hailed the strong pitching performances from Cole Ragans and Angel Zerpa as the key to the win.
Injuries
Player
Injury
Details
None
–
No injuries reported for either team during the game.
Coach Reactions
Coach
Reaction
Royals Coach
Praised the team’s resilience and great pitching, especially from Ragans and Zerpa.
Nationals Coach
Expressed frustration over missed scoring opportunities and praised the team’s defensive effort.