Royals Report: Cubs Silence KC Bats In 7-3 Defeat

The Royals only managed a measly four hits against Chicago Cubs pitching in a 7-3 loss at Surprise, Arizona Wednesday afternoon.

The Kansas City Royals fell to 3-2 this spring with their 7-3 loss. While the offense produced little all day, Alcides Escobar did start off the game with a home run against Chicago starter Eddie Butler.

Despite the lack of hits, KC Royals batters did show impressive patience while drawing seven walks. Second baseman Corey Toups doubled in the eighth inning and came home on first sacker Samir Duenz’s RBI single. Kansas City also scored on a double play ball hit by non-roster invitee Garin Cecchini in the ninth inning.

Unfortunately, three runs simply wasn’t enough offense when seven Cubs crossed the plate.

Nate Karns, Jake Junis, Scott Alexander, Jonathan Sanchez, Brandon League, Chris Withrow, and Bobby Parnell pitched for Kansas City. Karns impressed with two scoreless innings and three strikeouts in the first two frames. However, Jake Junis followed by allowing two unearned runs on three hits in his two inning stint.

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Sanchez and League allowed single runs in one inning turns, while Parnell allowed four hits and three earned runs in the ninth.

Karns’ performance is a nice opening showing in his quest to land the no. 5 starter job. Right now, he’s in an open competition with Travis Wood and Chris Young. However, veteran Mike Minor, prospect Kyle Zimmer, and rookie Matt Strahm could force their way into the rotation picture with strong springs.

Spring training star Peter O’Brien didn’t manage to hit a home run, but did draw a walk in his only plate appearance. I suppose the rash of walks isn’t a bad thing. At least KC hitters weren’t swinging wildly on Wednesday despite their inability to string together hits.

Meanwhile, RF Jorge Soler has yet to get a hit in eight spring at bats. Yeah, I know. The games don’t really count. But, the Royals are relying on Soler to become a middle of the order presence in their lineup after dealing closer Wade Davis for him this winter.

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I must confess, I’d like to see a little bit of that 70 grade power from Soler. I’d just feel better.