Royals Recap: Angel Home Runs End Jeremy Guthrie’s Streak

Jeremy Guthrie‘s franchise record setting streak of consecutive start without a loss came to a thudding halt at 18 on Tuesday in Anaheim. The Kansas City Royals (19-17) fell to the Los Angeles Angles (15-24) by the score of 6-2, due mainly to Guthrie getting blasted with 4 solo home runs by the Angels.

May 14, 2013; Anaheim, CA, USA; Kansas City Royals designated hitter Billy Butler (16) hits a home run against the Los Angeles Angels during the sixth inning at Angel Stadium of Anaheim. Mandatory Credit: Kelvin Kuo-USA TODAY Sports

On the Mound

 Some of Jeremy Guthrie’s numbers indicated that he was due for some regression sooner rather than later. His Left on Base Percentage was extremely high (93.2) and his Batting Average on Balls In Play was really low (.250). Neither of these stats, though, were the cause of his downfall Tuesday. It was all about the long ball. In fact, Guthrie was very fortunate that he was not touched up for more damage. In his 7 innings, he allowed 7 hits, not including the home runs, and 3 walks. The fact that all of the dingers were solo shots is kind of amazing, considering how many other base runners he allowed. Some really poor decisions on the base paths did cost the Angels some runners and probably some runs.

At the Plate

The Royals didn’t get much going against Jason Vargas. Billy Butler again provided the offense, going 2-4, including an RBI double and a solo home run. No one else had more than one hit. Mike Moustakas, Eric Hosmer, and Jeff Francoeur were again toothless, going 0-12. This threesome, plus Chris Getz, are dragging this offense down in the worst way as they are providing neither hits, home runs,or steady production of any kind.

This and That

According to Rany Jazayerli, on Monday the Royals were the first team ever to have 19+ hits, strike out 13+, and not walk once.

Top minor league prospect Jorge Bonifacio broke his hamate bone and will miss up to 8 weeks. He was hitting .325/.404/.452/.856 in Wilmington.

Long time Royals announcer Fred White announced his retirement on Tuesday.

Former Royal Vin Mazzaro got a win in relief for the Pirates. He is 2-0 with a 3.14 ERA for Pittsburg.

KC Kingdom Player of the Game

For the second night in a row, Billy Butler is the POG. Unlike the night before, Butler was the only player that contributed very much.

• James Shields – 4
• Alex Gordon – 7
  
• Wade Davis – 2
• Lorenzo Cain – 2
• Luis Mendoza
• Billy Butler – 4
• Ervin Santana – 3
• Miguel Tejada
• Jeremy Guthrie -3
• Eric Hosmer
• Chris Getz
• Mike Moustakas – 3
  
• Aaron Crow
• Jarrod Dyson

The Angels

The Angels got their power Tuesday from their best hitters. Mike Trout, Albert Pujols, and Josh Hamilton each went deep. Howie Kendrick added a round tripper as well. The Royals made Jason Vargas look like a star – he went 7 innings, giving up 2 runs on just 5 hits and one base on balls. He struck out 7

Up Next

Wade Davis (2-3, 5.86 ERA) tries to get back on track against Barry Enright (0-1, 11.37 ERA) at 9:05.

AL Central Notes

Detroit Tigers (22-15): The Tigers beat the Astros 6-2 at home. Miguel Cabrera went 2-3 with a home run, 2 runs, and a RBI. Doug Fister got the win.

Cleveland Indians (21-17): Scott Kazmir took the loss when he allowed 4 runs in five innings against the Phillies. His ERA is now at 5.33.

Minnesota Twins (18-18): Minnesota offense produced just 5 hits and a walk in a 4-2 loss to the White Sox. Kevin Correia gave up 4 runs on 9 hits in 7 innings for the loss.

Chicago White Sox (16-21): Jake Peavy had a strong outing as the Twins just scored twice on him in 7 frames. He struck out 6 and walked none. Adam Dunn and Dayan Viciedo homered for the Sox.