James Shields Dominates as Royals Top Rockies 5-1

Apr 22, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher James Shields (33) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

Following a successful road trip, the Kansas City Royals returned home to face the Colorado Rockies. James Shields did his part to ensure that the homestand got off to a positive start as well, as the Royals defeated the Rockies 5-1.

The hot hitting Alcides Escobar put the first run on the board for the Royals. Facing Rockies starter Franklin Morales, who looked eminently hittable throughout his start, Escobar rapped a two out single to left center, plating Johnny Giavotella for the first run of the game.

Colorado got that run back in the top of the fourth. With runners on first and second, Justin Morneau took Shields’ first pitch of the at bat to right, bringing Troy Tulowitzki home to tie the game at 1-1. The Royals came right back in the bottom of the inning. Danny Valencia singled to lead off the Royals half of the inning, and after an out, Lorenzo Cain drilled his first home run since the Fourth of July last year, putting the Royals ahead 3-1.

That would be all the support that James Shields would need. He kept the Rockies off balance, scattering five hits over his seven innings of work, allowing only the one run while striking out eight. Meanwhile, the Royals offensive gameplan to put the ball in play worked to perfection, as not a single batter on the Royals struck out during the game.

Salvador Perez added an insurance run with his fourth home run of the year in the fifth and Escobar drove in another run in the top of the ninth on a fielder’s choice. Wade Davis and Aaron Crow made certain those runs held up, preserving the 5-1 victory.

Escobar and Perez each had two hits in the win.