KC Royals Suffer First Home Loss of 2015; Shut Out by A’s 5-0

There was drama on the field at Kauffman Stadium Saturday night, but it had little to do with the final score of the game, which was never really contested by the KC Royals. Rather, it was about evening the score against the A’s 3rd baseman Brett Lawrie for an aggressive slide that injured KC shortstop Alcides Escobar on Friday night.

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The excitement happened in the fourth inning. Immediately after Oakland RF Josh Reddick launched a 3-run bomb that made the score 5-0, everyone in the park knew what was going to happen when Lawrie came to bat. Royals pitcher Yordano Ventura threw one of his potent fastballs right toward Lawries’s rib section, and all he could do was take the blow on his arm, and take it like a man. To Lawrie’s credit, he did so without squawking. But home plate umpire Jim Joyce immediately ejected Ventura, and both benches cleared. No additional blows were thrown, however, and the game resumed with just-called-up Yohan Pino on the mound for KC.

Other than settling with Lawrie (that case should now be considered closed), there wasn’t much to like from Royals fans perspective. Pino threw 4.2 innings of scoreless ball, striking out three and walking none. 1st baseman Eric Hosmer had two hits and a walk, and LF Alex Gordon also had two hits. Other than that? Meh.

The Royals had a few scoring opportunities, but couldn’t cash in all night. Lorenzo Cain went hitless for the first time this season. And Ventura was completely off his usually crisp game.

KC Royals fans received more bad news prior to tonight’s game. Our All-Star closer extraordinaire Greg Holland was placed on the 15-day Disabled List with a right pectoral strain, which prompted Pino’s call-up from Omaha.

The Royals can still salvage a series victory with a win on Sunday. Danny Duffy takes the mound for KC, while the A’s will run out Scott Kazmir in a battle of lefties. First pitch is at 1:10 PM. Should be a good one.

Next: Royals Place Greg Holland on 15 Day Disabled List