KC Royals Overcome Athletics 4-2 to Take Series

It didn’t take long for things to get heated once again at Kauffman.

In the bottom of the first inning, Scott Kazmir threw a pitch at Lorenzo Cain’s ankles and hit him. It was the 14th Royals HBP in 12 games. Warnings were issued to both benches and Ned Yost ran out to “discuss” things with the umps after Dave Eiland was tossed for yelling from the dugout. Yost was tossed almost before he made it onto the field. He really let loose then and if you have the time and inclination, I strongly suggest you watch this video of Yost angrily throwing his gum to the side in order to properly shout at Greg Gibson.

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The A’s scored their first run in the top of the 3rd. After Marcus Semien and Mark Canha walked, Zobrist singled Semien home before Duffy was able to work himself out of the inning. They scored again in the 5th inning when Mark Canha singled and stole second. Ben Zobrist singled him home to make the score 2-0 before Mike Moustakas made a great play on a Billy Butler ground ball to start a double play and end the inning.

The Royals were finally able to put a run up on the board in the bottom of the 5th when Omar Infante led off the inning with a double. Christian Colon had an infield single after Eric Kratz grounded out and the Royals had two on with one out. Orlando Calixte pinch-ran for Infante (who injured his groin) and Kazmir then threw a wild pitch that allowed both runners to advance. Jarrod Dyson hit a ground ball to the shortstop but it was enough to score Calixte to make the score 2-1.

In the top of the 8th, Kelvin Herrera threw a pitch behind Brett Lawrie and was immediately tossed from the game. As a warning had already been issued, acting manager Don Wakamatsu was thrown out as well. Then he let the umps have it and somehow got tossed a second time. Alcides Escobar followed after having doing some talking from the dugout.

The KC Royals scored again in the 8th. Paulo Orlando walked and was moved to second on a Mike Moustakas grounder. Lorenzo Cain blasted a double to tie the game and then stole third. After an Eric Hosmer walk, Kendrys Morales hit the snot out of a baseball to deep center to plate both Cain and Hosmer and make the score 4-2 in favor of our heroes. Fist bumps and chest-bashing was enjoyed by all around. Certain recappers may have even engaged in awkward dance moves in their living rooms. Bottom line: The Royals regained the lead and didn’t give it back.

Danny Duffy pitched 5 innings and gave up 2 earned runs. He struck out 5 but also struggled with control and walked 5 as well. Hopefully he regains some of that control he had in his first couple of starts.

On to the Twins!

Next: Kansas City Royals and the Price of Victory