Kansas City Royals Look to Avoid Sweep and Secure First Win of the Season Against Atlanta Braves
The Kansas City Royals entered the 2026 season with high expectations and a lot of excitement from fans and the media. However, after two games, the team has faced a shutout on Opening Day and a blown save in the second game, putting them at risk of being swept to start the season. With a 0-2 record, the Royals will send Seth Lugo to the mound for the Sunday afternoon game in Atlanta. Lugo, who pitched for Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic and had a mixed performance in Spring Training for the Royals, aims to bounce back from a challenging season last year and help secure the team's first win of the season.
The Royals' lineup for today's game is similar to the previous night's lineup, with Nick Loftin starting at second base and Lane Thomas in left field. Carter Jensen and Salvador Perez have switched positions, while struggling players like Jonathan India and Isaac Collins are not in the starting lineup. On the other hand, the Atlanta Braves have started the season strong despite missing key players, hitting four home runs to score eight of their 12 runs. Right-hander Grant Holmes will take the mound for the Braves in the upcoming game.
As the Royals face the possibility of a sweep and aim to avoid starting the season winless, the focus is on whether the offense can produce after scoring only two runs in the first two games. The outcome of the game and the team's performance will be revealed at 12:35 p.m. CT, with the first pitch scheduled to be thrown on Royals.TV.