3. The Keep The Line Moving Offense Is Back
In the last two days, the Kansas City Royals have scored eight runs in an inning, three runs in an inning, and five runs in an inning. The long hit barrage rallies are back for the KC Royals, after going AWOL for most of the 2016 season.
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A big part of the problem has been injuries. With Lorenzo Cain and Alex Gordon missing close to a month apiece, and spotty effectiveness out of the second base position, the KC Royals just haven’t had enough solid bats in the lineup to string together a lot of hits in an inning.
That’s changed in August. Lorenzo Cain and Alex Gordon have both been hot this month. Gordon, in particular, has turned his season around after four lost months. After ending July slashing .202/.313/.335 for the year. In August, Gordon has mashed his way to a .284/.358/.547 line with 7 home runs.
Add in a good month from shortstop Alcides Escobar after Kansas City Royals manager Ned Yost dropped him to the no. 8 spot in the order from leadoff. With Escobar hitting a scorching .307/.352/.475 in August, the Royals now have eight effective hitters in the lineup. That’s enough to Keep The Line Moving.
Even Mondesi Contributes
While rookie second baseman Raul Mondesi Jr. is only hitting .191/.232/.298, he at least brings outstanding bunting skills combined with great speed. He can keep rallies going simply by moving base-runners and shows decent pop when he does manage to make contact (1 2B, 3 3B, and 1HR in 94 at bats).
If the KC Royals continue to Keep The Line Moving they’ll find themselves playing in October.
Next: Reason No. 2