Royals Recap: Mike Moustakas Hits HR; James Shields Recovers Nicely

It was a strange night at Kaufman Stadium. The Kansas City Royals (14-10) were coming off a couple for poor hitting, poor pitching, performances and really needed to turn it around against the Tampa Bay Rays (12-14). After a rough start, the Royals exploded late to win the game 8-2.

Apr 30, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals third baseman

Mike Moustakas

(8) connects for a home run in the sixth inning of the game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

On the Mound

The Royals really needed new ace James Shields to end the two-game losing streak. It had to be an emotional game for Shields, going against the only team he had ever been a part of until his trade in December. Things started off poorly for Shields. Desmond Jennings reached on a check-swing, infield hit, then Matt Joyce hit a bomb to right field, and the Royals were down 2-0 just like that. Shields really pulled it together after that, not allowing another run and only 3 more hits over 7 innings, allowing his offense the opportunity to eventually find their bats. Kelvin Herrera and Greg Holland held the Rays scoreless in the 8th and 9th.

At the Plate

For the first 5.2 innings, it looked like the slumbering bats would stay in hibernation, but with 2 outs in the 6th, Eric Hosmer doubled, Lorenzo Cain singled him home, then Mike Moustakas finally got great wood on a ball and one of his fly balls finally left the park. The Royals weren’t finished. Jeff Francoeur followed with another double and scored on a Salvador Perez single. Moose added another RBI in the seventh on a sac fly. He surpassed his season total of 2 RBI, with 3 on the night. The Royals added another run in the 8th.

This and That

Kansas City remained a half a game back of the Tigers in the Central.

Shields has pitched 42 innings thus far with a 2-2 record and a 3.00 ERA and 1.048 WHIP. He has struck out 39 and only walked 10. Wil Myers has yet to play.

KC Kingdom Player of the Game

This one is all about Mike Moustakas. His April struggles are well known so it was good to see something positive out of him these past few games. Maybe his home run will jump start his bat and he can get hot.

The Rays

Alex Cobb was brilliant for most of the night. He had only allowed 3 hits after 5.2 before the Royals exploded for 4 runs and 7 hits with 2 outs in the 6th. Matt Joyce’s home run in the 1st was his 5th on the year.

Up Next

Because of a plethora of off days in recent weeks, Luis Mendoza (0-1, 5.14 ERA) hasn’t started in a while. He gets his chance tonight against Jeremy Hellickson ((1-2, 4.31 ERA) at 7:10.

AL Central Notes

Detroit Tigers (15-10 ): The big power boys produced big time on Tuesday. Miguel Cabrera and Prince Fielder each homered and drove in 2 in helping Justin Verlander take down the Twins 6-1.

Cleveland Indians (11-13): The Indians had three 4-run innings as they crushed the Phillies Tuesday night. Ryan Raburn, who hit 2 home runs against the Royals Monday, stayed red hot by crushing 2 more in this game. Drew Stubbs, Carlos Santana, Mark Reynolds, and Michael Brantley also homed during the onslaught. Zach McAllister earned his 2nd win.

Chicago White Sox (10-15): Adam Dunn and Dewayne Wise each homered but it was not enough as the White Sox fell to the Rangers 10-6. Starter Jose Quintana and reliever Nate Jones each gave up 4 runs in the ball game.

Minnesota Twins (11-12): Vance Worley got beat up by the Tigers on Tuesday. He surrendered 6 runs on 10 hits in 4.2 innings. His ERA now stands at 7.22.

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