Kansas City Royals Shut Down Detroit Tigers 4-1

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Filling in for the suspended Edinson Volquez, Chris Young made his first start in a Kansas City Royals uniform. He made certain that it left an impression, as Young and Ryan Madson no-hit the Detroit Tigers for seven innings before the Royals hung on for a 4-1 victory.

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The Royals jumped out on Detroit early. Starter Kyle Lobstein got the first two outs, but that proved to be a mistake as the Royals two out magic kicked in once again. Lorenzo Cain and Eric Hosmer singles, with Hosmer doing so with a bunt, bringing up Kendrys Morales. Morales continued to show why he is rapidly becoming a fan favorite in Kansas City, belting a two run double to plate both runs. Salvador Perez followed with a base hit to bring Morales home, and advanced to third as Anthony Gose proved that throwing a baseball is harder than it looks. A walk to Omar Infante put runners at the corners, and it appeared that the Royals were set for the knockout blow, but Lobstein was able to escape further damage.

That would be more than enough support for Chris Young. Relying on his ability to control his pitches and deceive the opposition, Young made the Tigers offense look impotent, as he allowed only three walks while striking out nine in five no hit innings.

Kansas City provided Young with another run of support in the third. Hosmer doubled with one out, and Morales once again came through, singling to center to drive Hosmer in. Again, Gose proved incapable of throwing the spheroid, allowing Morales to take second. Alas, that is where he would remain as the Royals held a 4-0 lead.

With Young at 81 pitches through five innings, Ned Yost made the call to the bullpen to bring out Ryan Madson. Madson continued to shut down the Tigers, striking out one in two perfect innings. With two innings to go, the excitement was palpable as a combined no-hitter was within site.

With Kelvin Herrera entering the game, and the lockdown part of the bullpen in place, it seemed almost inevitable. However, Herrera was unable to hold up his end of the bargain. After a leadoff walk, Nick Castellanos singled to end the no hitter. Another single loaded the bases, and Detroit got a run on the board courtesy of a groundout to the mound. Another walk loaded the bases once again, but Herrera escaped further trouble by striking out Miguel Cabrera and getting Victor Martinez to fly out to end the inning.

Detroit would not go away. Wade Davis, who has been virtually automatic since going into the bullpen for the Royals, appeared mortal against the Tigers. With one out, Yoenis Cespedes doubled and Alex Avila followed with a single to put runners on the corners. Fortunately, Davis realized that he is a strike throwing cyborg, and struck out Castellanos for the second out. A ground ball to the mound ended the threat, as the Kansas City Royals held on for the 4-1 victory.

Kendrys Morales provided all of the offense for the Royals, going 2-4 with a double, three RBI and a run scored.

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