KC Royals AAA Squad Shut Down By Carlos Carrasco 6-0

A day after clinching their first division title in thirty years, one had to expect that the KC Royals would begin to rest some of their regulars. That was the case tonight, as Ben Zobrist and Alex Rios were the only Royals starters in what was essentially an exhibition between the Cleveland Indians and the Omaha Storm Chasers. It definitely felt that way as Carrasco shut down the Royals during the 6-0 Indians victory.

Edinson Volquez was on the mound for the Storm Chasers Royals, and the Tribe got to him early. Jose Martinez hit a solo home run in the first, and Abraham Almonte had a two run shot in the second to give Cleveland an early 3-0 lead.

While Volquez settled down from that point, that was more than enough support for Carrasco. He carved through the Royals lineup with ease, recording strikeout after strikeout. Eventually, the question of whether or not the Royals would be able to record a hit against Carrasco became a true concern.

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Meanwhile, the Indians continued to add on more insurance. Volquez departed after the sixth, bringing in Franklin Morales. That helped jumpstart the Indians idling offense, as Morales walked the first batter he faced before giving up a two run home run to Roberto Perez. After a pair of singles sandwiching a strikeout, Morales was pulled for Danny Duffy. After a two out walk loaded the bases, Duffy was able to get Lonnie Chisenhall to pop up to end the threat. An RBI fielder’s choice in the top of the ninth tacked on the sixth and final run.

The KC Royals had their offensive highlight in the top of the seventh. After Zobrist struck out, Rios hit a soft line drive up the middle for a base hit. That would be all that Carrasco would allow, as he struck out 15 Royals in his 6-0 shutout victory.

Volquez took the loss, allowing three runs on four hits and two walks. he struck out seven in his six innings of work, and aside from that rough first two innings, pitched relatively well. Hopefully, he will be able to finish out the season strong and carry that momentum into the postseason.

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