Kansas City Royals Get Solid Outing from Jason Vargas in 4-2 Win

Over the past few games, it appeared as though the Kansas City Royals pitching staff had begun to round into form. Tonight, we had some hope for the offense in the Royals 4-2 victory over the Cleveland Indians.

The Royals struck early against Indians starter and reigning Cy Young winner Corey Kluber. Alcides Escobar took Kluber’s first pitch of the night to left for a double, and Mike Moustakas sent Kluber’s second pitch to right for an RBI single to give the Royals a quick 1-0 lead.

Cleveland came right back in the top of the second. Ryan Raburn led off the inning with a base hit to center, and after Jason Vargas struck out Nick Swisher, Brandon Moss doubled to drive in Raburn and tie the game. The Indians took the lead an inning later, as Michael Bourn doubled to lead off the top of the third and scored on Mike Aviles‘ one out base hit to right.

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Kansas City’s offense roared to life in the bottom of the frame. With one out, Escobar and Moustakas singled to put runners at the corners. Lorenzo Cain followed with a double, tying the game as Moustakas was gunned down at home. That was just the first of three consecutive doubles, as Eric Hosmer doubled to left to plate Cain before coming home on Kendrys Morales‘ double as the Royals took a 4-2 lead.

That would be more than enough for Vargas. While the Indians threatened in the top of the fifth, putting runners at the corners with no one out, Vargas was able to induce a ground ball to the mound for a double play and a fly out to end the threat.

The Kansas City Royals bullpen took care of the final three innings, as Greg Holland pitched a perfect ninth to preserve the Royals 4-2 victory. Vargas earned the win, allowing two runs on eight hits, striking out three in his six innings of work.

Escobar, Moustakas and Hosmer each had two hits in the victory.

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