Royals Recap: Chris Getz Hits A Home Run; Atlanta Braves Club 5

 Light hitter second baseman Chris Getz hitting his first major league home since 2009 and his first in a Royals uniform should have had a bigger impact for the Kansas City Royals(7-6). Of course, when the opponent bangs out 5 on the night, the one certainly loses significance. That is what happened in Georgia Tuesday night when the Atlanta Braves (12-1) came back late and beat the Royal 6-3.

Apr 14, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals second basemen Chris Getz (17) reacts after scoring the game winning run against the Toronto Blue Jays during the ninth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Kansas City won 3-2. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports

On the Mound

Jeremy Guthrie deserved better than a no decision in this game. Guthrie went 7 strong innings, giving up only 2 runs on 5 hits and a walk. He struck out 6 on the night. Unfortunately, two of the hits were home runs by Juan Francisco, the second one tied the game in the 7th, 2-2. The normally lights-out Kelvin Herrera entered the game int he 8th and just flat out had a bad night. He surrendered 3 home runs out of four batters and then walked another hitter, who later scored. This outing shouldn’t be considered anything more than an anomaly for Herrera. He has been too good up to this point in his career and only gave up 4 home runs all season in 2012.

At the Plate

Alcides Escobar, Eric Hosmer, and Salvador Perez went 0-13 with 4 strikeouts on the night. Alex Gordon and Jeff Francoeur each knocked out 2 hits, and of course, Chris Getz hit a no-doubt home run in the third. Getz finished with an RBI and 2 runs scored.

This and That

The Royals have 5 home runs on the season. Compare that to the Braves 5 on the night and 25 on the season, which leads the majors. Only Miami has fewer home runs (3) than the Royals.

KC Kingdom Player of the Game

Guthrie pitched well enough to earn this award but he did give up the 2 Francisco home runs. Let’s give Chris Getz the nod for his big personal accomplishments. Here are the winners thus far this season:

• James Shields – 2
• Alex Gordon – 2
  
• Jeremy Guthrie
• Eric Hosmer
• Luis Mendoza
• Billy Butler
• Ervin Santana
• Miguel Tejada
• Wade Davis
• Lorenzo Cain
• Chris Getz

The Braves

Atlanta is 12-1 on the season and have won their last 10 games. The Braves’ pitching staff lead the majors in ERA (1.83), WHIP (1.01), and BAA (.204). Add in the fact the Braves lead in home runs (25) as well, it is obvious why they only have one loss.

Up Next

Wade Davis (1-0) will face Mike Minor (2-0) at 11:10 today and wrap up the brief two day stay in Atlanta.

AL Central Notes

Detroit Tigers (8-5 ): Miguel Cabrera went 3-5 with a home run, 1 run, and 4 RBI. Austin Jackson, Torii Hunter, Victor Martinez, and Jhonny Peralta also turned in multiple hit efforts in the 6-2 win over the Mariners.

Cleveland Indians ( 5-7 ): Ubaldo Jimenez continued his early season struggles. He went 1.2 innings Tuesday in the 7-2, issuing 7 runs, 5 walks and 2 hits. His ERA is 11.25

Chicago White Sox (6-8): Paul Konerko scored the winning run in the top of the 9th on a Hector Gimenez sacrifice fly to beat the Blue Jays 4-3.

Minnesota Twins (6-7 ): Catcher Joe Mauer tallied 4 hits in 5 at bats Tuesday while driving in 3. Brian Dozier, Justin Morneau, Ryan Doumit, and Wilkin Ramirez each had 2 hits,  in the Twins .