Salvador Perez and Eric Hosmer Power Royals Sweep

The Kansas City Royals lack of power had been the a cause of concern over the first two months of the season. Lately, however, that power has begun to manifest itself. The recent power surge continued today, as Salvador Perez and Eric Hosmer each homered to help lead the Royals to a sweep of the Chicago White Sox, taking the final game by a 6-3 score.

The Royals got on the board early against White Sox starter Andre Rienzo. With one out, Omar Infante singled, bringing up Eric Hosmer. Hosmer continued his recent power run, lining a home run to center to provide the Royals a quick 2-0 lead.

Chicago came right back against James Shields. Adam Eaton tripled to right to lead off the White Sox half of the inning, putting Shields in an early jam. One pitch later, it appeared as though Shields had picked off Eaton, but umpire Phil Emmel ruled that Shields had balked, scoring Eaton. The call prompted an argument from manager Ned Yost, who was summarily ejected from the game.

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Kansas City used a two out rally to extend their lead in the third. With a 1-2 count, Billy Butler was hit by a pitch, extending the inning. After Alex Gordon walked, also after a 1-2 count, Salvador Perez crushed a three run home run to left, putting the Royals up 5-1. Jarrod Dyson had a run scoring base hit int he fourth, extending the lead to 6-1.

The White Sox came back against Shields in the bottom of the inning. Adam Dunn and Alexei Ramirez singled to lead off the frame, putting runners on first and second. After a line out, Alejandro de Aza doubled to deep right, plating both runners and cutting the lead to 6-3.

That was as close as the White Sox would get. From that point, James Shields settled in, combining with four relievers to keep the White Sox off the board to give the Royals the 6-3 victory and an important sweep of the White Sox. Overall, Shields allowed three runs, scattering ten hits over six innings, walking one while recording three strikeouts. It may not have been pretty, but Shields managed to get out of trouble for most of the game.

Salvador Perez was 2-3 with a three run home run and a walk in the victory.