Eric Hosmer, James Shields Lead Royals Past Indians 8-2

Apr 22, 2014; Cleveland, OH, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher James Shields (33) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

James Shields received a total of five runs in support in his first three starts. The Kansas City Royals are starting to make up for it now, as the bats came alive in an 8-2 victory over the Cleveland Indians.

The game did not start well for the Royals. With one out in the second, Asdrubal Cabrera hit a line drive that played Omar Infante, getting past him on a short hop for an error. A single and a hit batter loaded the bases with two outs, bringing up Michael Bourn. Bourn lined a single to right, giving the Indians the lead. Shields was able to get out of the threat when Nick Swisher lined out to center.

Cleveland starter Danny Salazar, who had been struggling over the start of the season, appeared to have morphed back into the pitcher he was at the end of last season. The Royals were held without a hit until Eric Hosmer led off the fourth inning with a single. After Billy Butler followed with a single to put runners on first and second, Salazar got two quick outs and it appeared as though the Royals may once again fail with runners in scoring position. Instead, Mike Moustakas continued his recent power surge, hitting a three run home run down the right field line to put the Royals on top. A bunt single by Jarrod Dyson drove in another run, giving the Royals a 4-1 lead.

From there, the floodgates opened. Hosmer and Butler had back to back doubles in the fifth to put another run on the board. Yan Gomes doubled with two outs in the sixth to put the Indians back within striking distance, but the Royals pulled away once again. Hosmer had an RBI double to give Kansas City a four run cushion once again, and Alex Gordon capped off the scoring with a two run double of his own in the ninth.

James Shields struggled at times, throwing 106 pitches over six innings, but managed to battle through six strong innings. He allowed two runs, one earned, on six hits and a walk, striking out nine, including the last six outs that he recorded.

Eric Hosmer had an excellent day at the plate, going 4-5 with two doubles, three runs scored and an RBI. Alcides Escobar and Billy Butler each had two hits in the victory.