Kansas City Royals Shut Down By Mike Montgomery in 7-0 Loss

Back in 2012, when the Kansas City Royals included Mike Montgomery in the trade for James Shields, he seemed to be nothing more than a failed prospect who never lived up to expectations. Now, after being traded from the Rays to the Seattle Mariners, Montgomery got some measure of vengeance against his former organization, shutting down the Royals in their 7-0 loss.

Kansas City had a prime opportunity against Montgomery in the first, loading the bases with no outs. However, Montgomery struck out Eric Hosmer, who was swinging as if to launch a ball to the slopes of Mount Rainier, then was able to get Kendrys Morales to ground into a double play to end the threat.

The Royals had another prime chance in the top of the second, putting runners on first and second with no outs. Montgomery again battled back, this time striking out the side to curtail any potential momentum the Royals would have.

More from KC Royals News

• KC Royals Free Agent Hunt: 3 Tampa Bay pitchers
• Grading the 2022 KC Royals: The $25 million man
• KC Royals Winter Meetings Tracker: Expectations met
• KC Royals Winter Meetings Tracker: Day 3 update
• KC Royals Winter Meetings Tracker: Day 2 update

Jeremy Guthrie, for his part, was able to match Montgomery through the first three innings. Then, in the bottom of the fourth, everything fell apart. With one out, the Mariners loaded the bases. After getting ahead of Brad Miller 0-2, Guthrie walked the Mariners shortstop to force in the first run of the game. Mike Zunino followed with an RBI single to keep the bases loaded, and Logan Morrison had an RBI groundout to give the Mariners a 3-0 lead.

Seattle added on in the fifth. With two out and Robinson Cano on second, Seth Smith had an RBI base hit to right. Smith came around to score as Dustin Ackley continued to torment Guthrie, hitting a two run home run to give the Mariners a 6-0 lead.

That would be all for Guthrie, who allowed six runs on nine hits and two walks over his five innings of work. Montgomery, meanwhile, after a rought start to the evening, settled in, shutting down the Royals offense. He set down 17 Royals in a row until an erorr int he seventh, and did not give up another hit until Kendrys Morales singled with two out in the ninth.

Seattle tacked on another run in the bottom of the eighth when Morrison led off with a home run, providing the final margin the 7-0 loss.  The Royals had four hits all night, as they once again struggled against a rookie starter.

At least there is always tomorrow for the Kansas City Royals.

Next: Royals Chasing Multiple Trade Upgrades