Kansas City Royals Lose 5-2 in Home Run Barrage

Tonight’s game between the Toronto Blue Jays and the Kansas City Royals had a playoff vibe, especially in light of the major trades performed by both teams. Hopefully, the outcome was not a sign of things to come in the postseason, as the Blue Jays battered Danny Duffy early en route to a 5-2 victory.

The Royals actually had an early lead in this game. As they are wont to do, the Royals used their two out magic to score, as Lorenzo Cain was hit by a pitch. Eric Hosmer singled to put runners at the corners. Kendrys Morales then followed with a two run double to deep right center, giving the Royals a 2-0 lead.

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Unfortunately, that would prove to be the end of the Royals offense against Marco Estrada. Meanwhile, the Blue Jays began their comeback almost immediately against Duffy. The recently acquired Troy Tulowitzki was hit by a pitch, and a double by Josh Donaldson put runners on second and third. Duffy was able to escape after giving up just one run on a sacrifice fly, but this was just a sign of things to come.

Toronto took the lead in the next inning. Kevin Pillar led off the inning with a base hit, and Dioner Navarro followed with a two run home run, giving the Blue Jays the lead. Russell Martin and Josh Donaldson followed with home runs in the third and fourth innings, giving the Blue Jays a 5-2 lead they would not relinquish.

The Royals best chance to cut into the lead came with two outs in the seventh. Salvador Perez and Omar Infante had back to back singles, bringing up Jarrod Dyson. However, LaTroy Hawkins was able to strike out Dyson, ending the threat. The Royals never threatened again, as the Blue Jays took a 5-2 victory.

Danny Duffy took the loss, allowing five runs on six hits and four walks. Duffy struck out four, but also gave up three home runs as he just did not seem comfortable during the early part of the game.

The Kansas City Royals offense had a combined five hits without drawing a walk. Ben Zobrist was 0-4 in his debut.

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