Royals Get Smacked In Series Opener With Detroit

Woof.

The Royals are supposed to be ready to challenge the Tigers for the A.L. Central crown this year. The gap between the boys in blue and the perennial winners from Detroit was supposed to be closing. So far, that doesn’t seem to be the case. Kansas City was downed tonight 8-2 tonight in the Royals’ first game of the season against the Tigers at Kauffman Stadium.

Apr 26, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Detroit Tigers designated hitter Victor Martinez (41) hits a RBI fly ball in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

The Royals took an early lead after an Eric Hosmer sacrifice fly off of Rick Porcello scored Omar Infante in the first. The lead didn’t last long however, as Detroit scored two in the third off of James Shields by collecting three straight one-out hits. A single by Torii Hunter, a double by Miguel Cabrera and a double by Victor Martinez. I accidentally spelled “Victor Martinez” as “Victory Martinez” and now I hate myself.

The Tigers struck again in the fourth inning with an Alex Avila 2-run shot and a double play that scored a run after a couple of singles. The only other run the Royals scored was in the bottom of the fourth on Billy Butler‘s first home run of the season, a solo shot.

The Tigers scored three more runs in the seventh on a one-run single by Victor Martinez that scored Ian Kinsler and a two-run double by J.D. Martinez that scored both Torii Hunter and Victor Martinez.

All in all it was a rough night for James Shields who went 6.1 innings giving up 12 hits, 7 earned runs, 3 strikeouts, and a walk. Rick Porcello went 7 strong innings giving up 4 hits, 2 earned runs, 6 strikeouts, and no walks.

The game wasn’t really ever in doubt and the Royals are off to a depressing start to the weekend. You hope to take advantage of not having to face both Verlander and Scherzer in a series. Danny Duffy will make the start for the Royals tomorrow as they look to even the series.