The KC Royals finally had a breakout game for their offense. Collecting a season high in hits, the KC Royals lineup broke out, putting seven runs on the board.
It is about time. In the first game of a four game series in St. Petersburg, the KC Royals put up more runs on the scoreboard than in their previous series against the Cleveland Indians.
The game didn’t start so nice and tidy though, as a misplay on a pop-up and a single gave the Tampa Bay Rays an early 1-0 lead.
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The KC Royals responded quickly though, getting on the board with a Drew Butera solo shot, his first of the year. The hits then started to pour on. The Royals took a 3-1 lead on a Kevin Kiermaier misplay in centerfield that saw Lorenzo Cain run the bases little league style.
The offense may have not even been the most impressive thing. It may have been starter Nate Karns, pitching his second straight masterpiece.
Karns continued the trend of good starting pitcher, giving up two runs in 6.1 innings. He also tied a career high with 10 strikeouts.
Karns collected his second win as a Royal, going to 2-2 on the year.
Matt Strahm also looked impressive, other than one mistake pitch to Colby Rasmus. He struck out 4 in 1.2 innings.
Joakim Soria closed it out in the bottom of the 9th.
Jorge Soler was 0 for 5 tonight, as he is still looking for his first hit as a Royal. He did have some nicely struck balls though.
Eric Hosmer, Salvador Perez, Drew Butera, Whit Merrifield, Alcides Escobar, and Lorenzo Cain all had multi-hit games.
"KC Royals: Reviewing the Luck with XStats"
The KC Royals try to turn this win into a streak tomorrow night. They face the Rays at 6:10 CT. We will have you a game preview tomorrow.