Royals Recap: Eric Hosmer Finally Homers; Alex Gordon & Mike Moustakas Go Deep As Well

It had to happen. Eric Hosmer had to eventually knock one out of the park. Heck, even Chris Getz has a home run for goodness sake! Thursday, during the Kansas City Royals’ (18-13) over the Baltimore Orioles (21-14), several of their key components went deep, including Hosmer, who hit a rope to the opposite field for his initial long ball of the 2013 campaign.

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

Eric Hosmer

(35) is congratulated in the dugout after scoring 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

Jeremy Guthrie once again did his job. Despite not having his best stuff, as evident in his 7 hits allowed and 3 issued walks, he still gutted his way through, surrendering 2 runs (1 unearned) in six scrappy innings. Guthrie notched his 5th win of the year. Three relievers combined to only allow 1 base runner in the final three frames to secure the victory.

At the Plate

Ned Yost fiddled with the line-up a bit, most importantly, moving Alex Gordon down from the lead off spot to third. Gordon responded by going 2-4 with a home run, 2 runs scored, and 2 batted in. Eric Hosmer finally jacked his first homer of the season and Mike Moustakas pounded out his third. On the flip side, moving Alcides Escobar to lead off did not pay dividends as he went 0-5. Jeff Francoeur and Chris Getz combined to go 1-8 in the contest.

This and That

Alex Gordon has hit a round tripper in each of his last 3 games, the first time in his career he has accomplished this feat.

Jeremy Guthrie has not lost in his last 18 starts.

The Royals traded minor league infielder Brandon Wood to the Orioles for cash.

Johnny Giavotello has played third base the last two nights for Omaha.

KC Kingdom Player of the Game

Once again, Alex Gordon was the man. He was put into a prime run producing spot in the line up and he produced. What a concept. He is on a power hot streak; let’s hope he continues with his All-Star caliber play.

The Orioles

Chris Davis hit is 10th homer of 2013. Nolan Reimhold is struggling to the tune of a .186 average. The Orioles are in second in the AL East by half a game.

Up Next

Tonight, the Royals open a 3-game series with the leader of the AL East, the New York Yankees. Wade Davis (2-2, 4.75 ERA) will do battle with Phil Hughes (1-2, 3.60 ERA) at 7:10.

AL Central Notes

Only 2.5 games separate the first place Tigers and the 4th place Twins in a very tight divisional race right now. Only the White Sox are not over .500. Detroit has a big weekend series against the Indians, who trail by just one game.

Detroit Tigers (19-13): Detroit could not overcome an early 5-1 deficit although they did close the gap to one run. Jhonny Peralta had 2 hits and drove in 2.

Cleveland Indians (18-14): Scott Kazmir continues his comeback effort as won his 2nd game last night. He allowed one run in 6 innings, giving up just 5 hits and no walks. He struck out 10 on the night. Nick Swisher and Mark Reynolds homered in the 9-2 win against the Athletics.

Minnesota Twins (16-15): Kevin Correia won his 4th game on Thursday with a 5-3 victory over the Red Sox. He have up 9 hits in 5.1 innings but only 3 runs. Oswaldo Arcia hit a home run, scored twice and drove in 2.

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