Royals Take One From the Angels

I can’t do this back and forth. First, the Royals can’t score runs and then they can. Then they can’t and then they can. Tonight, they could again. Was it because it’s my birthday? Probably.

Despite Jason Vargas getting knocked around, the Royals were able to score 8 runs on 13 hits. 7 of those runs came in the 3rd inning which was capped by an Omar Infante grand slam. Players with multiple hits included Lorenzo Cain (3), Billy Butler (2), Salvador Perez (3), and Alcides Escobar (2).

The Angels scored 6 runs on 9 hits. All 6 of those runs came off of Jason Vargas in the first 4 innings. Players with multiple hits included C.J. Cron (2) and the effervescent Mike Trout (2).

The starting pitching performance was rocky on both sides. Jason Vargas went 4 innings giving up 6 runs with 1 strikeout and no walks. All 6 of the runs were scored off of the 3 homers he gave up. 1 to Mike Trout and 2 to C.J. Cron. The bullpen came in and saved the day however. Mariot, Herrera, Davis, and Holland pitched 5 innings of scoreless relief garnering a combined 9 strikeouts with 1 walk.

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Matt Shoemaker only lasted 4 innings for the Angels as well. He gave up 8 runs with 2 strikeouts and a walk. David Carpenter and Cory Rasmus combined for 4 scoreless innings garnering 2 strikeouts and a walk.

Some Royals game highlights include Infante’s grand slam, Holland striking out the side in the 9th, and Billy Butler still being “terrible” with 2 hits and a walk.

Ventura goes for the Royals tomorrow as the boys in blue try to guarantee a series victory.