Royals Start June Off Right

It’s a good start to the month of June. The Royals shut out the A’s for the second time in three games and won by a score of 2-0. Vin Mazzaro pitched a pretty decent game against his old squad, giving up only 4 hits and 3 walks over 6 shutout innings. Herrera, Holland, and Broxton finished the game off with shutout innings of their own and the Royals took the series from the A’s.

The game was low on scoring as the Royals plated one on the first pitch of the second inning via a 413 foot blast to center from Eric Hosmer. The only other score occurred in the 5th inning as Dyson singled, stole second, and was promptly singled home by Johnny Giovatella.

Mazzaro had some help in the field in the form of a double play as well as a beautiful diving play and throw out by Giavotella. This play is a point of contention for me. In the 8th inning Moose came in at third and Betancourt was switched to second base. I understand that Giovatella is not exactly considered a defensive wizard. That’s the reason he didn’t start the season at the major-league level. But today, he was looking pretty good and I don’t see why Yuni stayed in the game and Gio got yanked. I’d rather see Gio at the plate and as I stated, he wasn’t hurting us on defense. I felt justified almost immediately as Yuni muffed a ridiculously easy ground ball in the top of the 8th. I don’t get it, but we won so I won’t complain too much.

Another exciting defensive play occurred in the 5th as Alex Gordon threw out Adam Rosales at the plate after Rosales tagged and tried to score from third on a foul pop-out by Josh Reddick. I couldn’t believe Rosales tried to test Gordon’s arm. It wasn’t that deep of a throw but Alex didn’t even make a crow hop, he just rifled the ball home on the run. It was a great toss and Pena held on to the ball after getting bowled over at the dish. Outfield assists are amazing to watch in person. Kauffman exploded. I loved it.

The Royals welcome the division rival Minnesota Twins into town for a three-game series this week. Let’s hope they keep up with the winning.