James Shields Leads Royals to 3-0 Victory over Tigers

These were the games that the Royals acquired James Shields for, to step up in big games down the stretch. Tonight, the Royals certainly got what they asked for as Shields helped lead the Royals to a 3-0 victory over the Detroit Tigers.

Delayed by 42 minutes due to a rain that never really let up, Shields and Detroit starter Rick Porcello appeared destined to battle in another low scoring affair. Both pitchers did their part over the first three innings, despite an excellent opportunity for Kansas City in the top of the third. With one out, Alcides Escobar reached on an infield single, stole second and took third on the errant throw. With the infield pulled in, Nori Aoki grounded to second. Ian Kinsler came home on the throw, preserving the tie as Escobar was called out on the play.

The Royals broke through in the following inning. With one out, Josh Willingham and Eric Hosmer each singled to put runners on first and second. A base hit from Salvador Perez put the Royals on the board, and after a fly ball moved Hosmer to third, Lorenzo Cain singled up the middle to give the Royals a 2-0 lead.