Royals Recap: Another Comeback; Billy Butler & Alex Gordon Have Key Hits
By Joel Wagler
The Kansas City Royals (17-10) took down the Chicago White Sox (12-17) Sunday afternoon, 6-5, in Kauffman Stadium in 10 innings. It was the 11th come from behind victory of the season for the Royals. The 2013 version of the Kansas City Royals has certainly been a fun edition to watch on a daily basis (when they play on a daily basis).
May 5, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals batter Billy Butler (13) reacts after driving in two runs to tie the game against the Chicago White Sox during the ninth inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
On the Mound
Wade Davis bounced back from a few poor performances Sunday, going 6 innings, giving up just one run on 5 hits and 3 walks. He did strikeout 5 on the afternoon. Tim Collins continued his little slump by allowing 3 runs to score without recording an out and Aaron Crow surrendered his first run in 2013 on the 7th home run of the season by Alex Rios. Luke Hochevar pitched two quick, perfect innings before handing off to Greg Holland, who pitched a perfect 10th to get the win.
At the Plate
As has been their pattern generally, the Royals hitters started off slow. They went hitless in the first four innings before breaking through in the 5th with three runs. KC entered the 9th trailing 5-3, and Chicago closer Addison Reed walked Salvador Perez, who was lifted for pinch runner Chris Getz. George Kottaras, batting for Miguel Tejada, also walked. After two outs were recorded, Billy Butler doubled into the right field gap to score the runners, tying the game.
In the 10th, Lorenzo Cain singled and eventually stole second with one out. After Jeff Francoeur struck out, the White Sox inexplicably intentionally walked Chris Getz, then unintentionally walked George Kottaras to load the bases. Alex Gordon promptly lofted a ball over Alex Rios’ in right to win the game.
This and That
Salvador Perez walked twice Sunday to give him 3 on the season in 101 plate appearances. George Kottaras walked twice on Sunday to give him 4 on the year in 13 plate appearances.
The Royals remain a half game behind the Tigers for the lead in the AL Central.
Eric Hosmer went 0-5 but hit 3 balls very hard that were ran down or right at fielders. Hopefully, he can start to get some of those by the defense for some extra base hits.
KC Kingdom Player of the Game
There certainly were some candidates for this award on Sunday. Wade Davis’ strong outing, George Kottaras’ 2 big walks, Lorenzo Cain’s key hit and stolen base, Robin Ventura and his head scratching decision making, and, of course Alex Gordon and his game winning hit. I’m going, however, with Billy Butler and his big, game-tying double in the bottom of the ninth. The Royals need Country Breakfast to be a clutch RBI machine, and he did his job on Sunday.
- James Shields – 2
- Alex Gordon – 4
- Wade Davis – 2
- Lorenzo Cain – 2
- Luis Mendoza
- Billy Butler – 2
- Ervin Santana – 3
- Miguel Tejada
- Jeremy Guthrie -3
- Eric Hosmer
- Chris Getz
- Mike Moustakas – 2
- Aaron Crow
The White Sox
Jose Quintana pitched very well for 4 innings on Sunday, not allowing a hit. Going back to last year, closer Addison read had 17 straight saves without blowing one, including 10 this season. Dewayne Wise had 3 hits and played very good defense all day.
Up Next
In a rematch of Opening Day, James Shields (2-2, 3.00 ERA) will face off Chris Sale (3-2, 3.83 ERA) at 1:10 Monday afternoon as a make up game for Friday’s rained out affair. Sale won that game 1-0 in Chicago.
AL Central Notes
Detroit Tigers (19-11): With their 9-0 victory against the Astros on Sunday, the Tigers completed their 3-game sweep of Houston. The Tigers outscored the Astros 30-5 in the 3 games. On Sunday, Justin Verlander was just too much for the hapless Astros, going 7 shout out innings, allowing just 2 hits and 2 walks, while striking out 9. The Tigers hit 4 home runs on the afternoon.
Cleveland Indians (14-14): Carlos Santana hit his 6th home run of the season in the 4-2 to the Twins. Cory Kluber took the loss.
Minnesota Twins (13-14): Trevor Plouffe blasted his 4th dinger of the season and Mike Pelfrey pitched very well to earn the victory. Pelfrey gave up just 1 run on four hits in 6 frames for the win.