Kansas City Royals: Bats capitalize, spark 10-3 win vs. CIN

Coming off their second straight loss of Spring Training, the Kansas City Royals sought after a much-needed win today against Cincinnati. Due to some hot bats, the team got its wish. Read below for what went right, what went wrong and what’s ahead. 

Positives

The game started off about as well as you could expect. Shortstop Erick Mejia got the party started with an RBI single in the top of the first inning off Anthony DeSclafani. The next run came across the plate after Jorge Soler reached on a fielding error. Jorge Bonifacio then doubled home a run and Cheslor Cuthbert brought in the final run of the inning.

The first five Royals pitchers to enter the game pitched phenomenally. Jason Hammel started the game and pitched two hitless innings, then was followed by Wily Peralta, Blaine Boyer, and Seth Maness. All five arms combined for five shutout innings of baseball, allowing just three hits in the process.

Miguel Almonte, Glenn Sparkman, and Kevin Lenik closed the game with a trio of scoreless innings.

Cuthbert and Bonifacio were excellent, each going 2-for-3 on the day. The three runs produced by these two helped create momentum early on.

Outfielder Donnie Dewees joined the aforementioned two players in the two-hit club. It’s always a good thing to see prospects hitting well in Spring Training.

Negatives

Despite the rest of the staff pitching lights-out, reliever Eric Stout struggled in the bottom of the sixth inning, surrendering three runs on three hits.

Soler failed to record a hit on the day, bringing his Spring Training batting average down to .211.

Neither Salvador Perez nor Alex Gordon played today. It didn’t impact the outcome of the game, but not seeing as many familiar faces in the lineup is sad to some fans.

Final Thoughts

In all, this is exactly what the Royals needed. A few fielding errors and timely hits made this game a breeze. Heading into a day off with a win is always a positive. Through their first nine games, the Royals stand 6-2-1. Not too shabby, right? It’s crucial to the success of this team that young players receive time.

Over the next few weeks, expect to see some unfamiliar faces in the lineup. Due to the fact that the opening day roster is far from set, that’s okay. In a year that’s all about discovering new talent, you’ll see plenty of trial and error in the near future.

Next: Door May Not Be Closed For Moose Reunion

The Kansas City Royals receive their first day off of the spring tomorrow before heading back to Surprise to face the Padres Tuesday. First pitch is at 7:05 PM CST – you’ll be able to find both a preview and recap right here at Kings of Kauffman.