Royals Recap: Homers By Alex Gordon & Mike Moustakas Can’t Win Game
By Joel Wagler
The Kansas City Royals (17-13) have not been a great source of power thus far in 2013. They banged out two long balls Wednesday night but it didn’t help as they fell 5-3 to the Baltimore Orioles (21-13).
May 5, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals third basemen
Mike Moustakas(right) signs a autograph for a young Royals fan before a game against the Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter G. Aiken-USA TODAY Sports
On the Mound
Luis Mendoza was touched for 5 run (2 unearned) in 6 innings. He allowed just 5 hits and 3 walks while striking out 2. His defense didn’t help him out much in this one. Bruce Chen mopped up with 2 perfect innings in the 7th and 8th.
At the Plate
As a team, the Royals continue to struggle offensively. Alex Gordon hit another home run, his 5th, for his only hit on the night. Mike Moustakas had a big game, going 3-4 with a home run, and run scored, and 2 RBI. His big game could have been a huge game when came to the plate in the 8th down by two, two on, but he popped up to the catcher in foul territory. The team only produced 3 other hits on night.
This and That
This is the first 3-game losing streak of the season for the Royals.
Alcides Escobar made two throwing errors and George Kottaras made one. The errors led to 2 unearned runs, the difference in the ball game.
The Royals remained at a game and a half behind the Tigers in the Central but are only a half a game ahead of the Indians for second.
KC Kingdom Player of the Game
It has been a long season thus far for Mike Moustakas but there are some signs that he may be emerging from his offensive slumber. The Royals need him to hit home runs and drive in runs to be challenger in the Central.
- Alex Gordon – 5
- 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 – 3
- Aaron Crow
The Orioles
Jim Johnson tied the 16-year team record for most consecutive saves with 34. Randy Myers set the mark in 1997. J.J. Hardy hit his 6th dinger of the season but is only batting .215. The Orioles are tied for first place with the Red Sox in the AL East.
Up Next
Jeremy Guthrie ((4-0, 2.40) takes on his former team for the first time on Thursday at 6:05. He faces veteran Freddie Garcia (0-0, 2.70 ERA) in the series finale.
AL Central Notes
Detroit Tigers (19-12): Anibal Sanchez kept his ERA under 2.oo by allowing just 2 earned runs in 6 innings but still took the loss against the Nationals. He struck out 8 and didn’t walk any.
Cleveland Indians (17-14 ): Nick Swisher and Carlos Santana each homered to help the Indians to creep within 2 games of the Tigers. Justin Masterson won his 5th game of the year.
Chicago White Sox (14-18): Alex Rios and Alejandro De Aza provided the punch for the White Sox. Each homered and the combined for 6 hits and 5 duns scored as the Sox took down the Mets.
Minnesota Twins (15-15): Huge night for the Twin hitters. They scored 15 runs on 20 hits against the Red Sox. Ryan Doumit went 4-5 with his 2nd home run. He scored thrice and drove in 2. Rookie Oswaldo Arcia had 4 hits and Trevor Plouffe scored twice and had 3 batted in.