Royals Report: 3 Things About Crash In Cleveland

2) Orlando Wasn’t The Only Defensive Culprit

Yordano Ventura gave up an unearned run in the bottom of the third inning when Eric Hosmer made a wild throw to first on Francisco Lindor’s single. He scored on third baseman Jose Ramirez‘s single to tie the

Jun 2, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Kansas City Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar (2) throws to first in the eighth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Progressive Field. Escobar was charged with an error on the throw. Mandatory Credit: David Richard-USA TODAY Sports

score at 2-2.

WIth the KC Royals leading 4-2 in the eighth inning, Kansas City shortstop Alcides Escobar launched a throw past Eric Hosmer which allowed Cleveland first baseman Mike Napoli to take second base on an infield single.

After s strikeout, Lonnie Chisenhall walked and catcher Yan Gomes grounded into a fielder’s choice that advanced the Napoli to third. KC second baseman Omar Infante booted the throw on what should have been an easy double play, though no error was charged because he recorded the force at second. Napoli scored on center-fielder Tyler Naquin‘s single off Kelvin Herrera.

The run was counted as earned, since the walk to Chisenhall would have advanced Napoli to second anyway and Infante’s muff wasn’t counted as an error. However, competent defensive play would have prevented that run.

Escobar’s throw might now have been an error, but it also contributed to a run. Without that eighth inning score, Napoli’s sacrifice fly would have only scored the tying, rather than winning, run.

The Indians pulled off the walk-off to bust the Kansas City Royals six game win streak, but they had a whole lot of help from some unusually bad defense from the Royals.

Next: Joakim Soria/Drew Butera

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