Anticipation filled the air inside Kauffman Said in what was a cool Thursday afternoon. The Kansas City Royals waited all offseason kick off the 2024 baseball season. The front office spent a hefty chunk of change in hopes to turn around the direction of the franchise.

Kansas City is hoping for significant improvements after tying their worst season in franchise history with a record of just 56-106 in 2023. Sadly, their season would start on the wrong on Thursday with a 4-1 loss to the Minnesota Twins.

Royce Lewis and Maikel Garcia traded home runs in the first inning.

The Twins were able to break the tie in the top of the third inning with Carlos Correa bringing in a run on a double with runners on  first and second.

Cole Ragans was really impressive in his 2024 debut. He broke the franchise record for strikeouts on Opening Day with nine. He pitched six full innings and surrendered five hits, three walks and two runs. 

Unfortunately, the offense didn’t give him much help as they were only able to get five total hits. 

Minnesota would add on to their lead in the top of the ninth with three more runs to secure the Opening Day victory. 

The two teams have the day off on Friday before playing again at 3:10 on Saturday afternoon. You can listen to the game on 92.1 FM KMZA.