Wacha brings big game experience into pivotal Game 4

KANSAS CITY -- There was little panic in the Royals’ clubhouse following their 3-2 loss in Game 3 of the American League Division Series to the Yankees on Wednesday night. There was also focus on the game ahead and confidence with right-hander Michael Wacha taking the mound.

“We’ve got confidence in everybody in this clubhouse,” Michael Massey said. “Guys have been doing it all year, so we have a ton of trust in Michael and the bullpen as well to follow. So just got to go out and play a good game tomorrow and get back to what we do.”

Wacha is tasked with leading the Royals to a win in Game 4 on Thursday night, which would force a winner-take-all Game 5 in New York on Saturday. The stakes may be high, but Wacha said that for him, every game is a “must-win” in his mind.

“I don't really think about the leash too much,” Wacha said before the game on Wednesday. “I want to go out there and give our guys a chance to win a ballgame just like any other start throughout the season. And this one is no different. Want to get out there, hopefully go deep and give our guys a chance to win a ballgame.”

That is the approach the Royals must keep while also keeping in mind the “gravity of the situation,” according to manager Matt Quatraro.

Wacha will face New York for a second time during this Series. He threw four innings during the 6-5 loss in Game 1 on Saturday, allowing three runs on four hits, including a homer by Yankees leadoff hitter Gleyber Torres. Wacha threw 70 pitches (44 strikes).

“Wacha's game, I felt like that was pretty high leverage right from the get-go, having second and third, nobody out and working pretty hard through those first couple innings,” Quatraro said.

Yankees superstar Aaron Judge has slashed .056/.190/.056 with 11 strikeouts against Wacha in 21 career plate appearances during the regular season. Judge faced the right-hander twice on Saturday night and struck out in his first at-bat, then flied out to center field in his second plate appearance.

“I try to make quality pitches. I really do,” Wacha said about facing Judge. “I mentioned that the other night. Just try to make quality pitches to a guy like that. He's an unbelievable player. He can do damage. He hits for average and drives in a lot of guys whenever they're on base. You've just got to make quality pitches just like everyone else in that lineup.”

Wacha is no stranger to playing in high-stakes postseason games. He pitched as a rookie for the Cardinals during the playoffs in 2013, even making an appearance in Game 6 of the World Series.

Knowing his past experience and his track record under pressure, Wacha’s teammates are excited to see the 33-year-old in action again.

Their season will depend on it.

“He’s had an incredible year, pitched a lot of big games for us, won a lot of games for us, too,” Brady Singer said. “Obviously a pitcher that the moment never gets too big. He’s pitched in a lot of postseason games, so we’re excited to watch him tomorrow.”

Wacha said he is excited to pitch in front of the Royals’ fans, especially after watching playoff baseball in Kansas City in the past.

“Pitching in front of your home crowd, it's a familiar mound that you've been on a lot. That part is nice for sure,” Wacha said. “Won’t be getting -- at least I don't think I will be getting -- ragged in the bullpen warming up or anything like that. There are some differences for sure. Pitching in a hostile environment on the road compared to pitching in your home park. But looking forward to getting out there.”