Royals Recap: Miguel Tejada Blasts One; Losing Continues Against Houston Astros

So much for getting healthy against the worst team in baseball. The Kansas City Royals (20-21) dropped their 7th 1-run game in the last 14 outings, and their 4th game in a row, by falling 6-5 to the lowly Houston Astros (13-32). The exciting play of April seems a long time ago and that ache in the pits of the stomachs of Royal fans everywhere is starting flare up once again.

May 7, 2013; Baltimore, MD, USA; Kansas City Royals third baseman Miguel Tejada (24) throws over to first base to get out Baltimore Orioles center fielder Adam Jones (not shown) to end the third inning at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports

On the Mound

Jeremy Guthrie was not sharp. It was obvious early. After an easy 1st frame, Guthrie struggled with location, leaving too many balls high and in the strike zone. Major league hitters, even those as poor as those Houston puts on the field, can blast strikes high and over the plate. And blast they did. Guthrie gave up 8 hits in 5 innings, including 2 home runs, on the way to surrendering 6 runs. He walked 3 and struck out 2. J.C. Gutierrez, Luke Hochevar, and Aaron Crow teamed up to throw three 1-hit innings in relief. When it was so obvious Guthrie was having a bad night, maybe Ned Yost would have been better served to pull his veteran at little bit earlier.

At the Plate

Miguel Tejada, subbing for a slumping Mike Moustakas, provided something glaringly absent from the corner infield positions – production. Tejada hit a 3-run homer in the 4th to give Kansas City a 1 run lead at the time. Eric Hosmer and Jeff Francoeur each knocked out 3 hits.

This and That

Jeremy Guthrie leads the majors with 13 homers allowed, 12 of which, amazingly enough, are solo shots. Last night’s dinger from Matt Dominguez was the first home run with runners on Guthrie has allowed.

Salvador Perez bruised his hip sliding into a padded fence post in an attempt to snag a pop up foul ball. He left the game an inning later. Hopefully, it won’t be anything serious.

Former Royal Jake Odorizzi made his Tampa Bay debut last night, going 5 innings and allowing 3 runs.

KC Kingdom Player of the Game

Miguel Tejada provided some much needed power so he earned his second POG of the season. Offensive players not named Alex Gordon have only won the POG 16 times in 41 games.

The Astros

Although Houston has 44 home runs (17 more than the Royals), they only have 179 runs, 3 more than KC in 4 more games. Does that make anyone feel any better about the Royals offense? No? Didn’t think it would.

Up Next

Wade Davis (3-3, 5.98 ERA) will try to get Kansas City back on track tonight a 7:10 against Bud Norris (4-4, 4.32 ERA).

AL Central Notes

Kansas City’s 4-game losing streak coincides with Cleveland’s 5-game winning streak. The Royals are now 5 back of the Indians and only 2 ahead of the last place Twins.

Cleveland Indians (26-17): The Indians continue to be red hot. They won in the 10th inning when Yan Gomes hit a walk-off 3-run home run. It was his second round tripper of the game. He now has 4 in just -53 at bats.

Detroit Tigers (23-19): The Tigers had the day off. They play the Indians twice starting Tuesday.

Minnesota Twins (18-23): Josh Willingham provided the only run for the Twins, a solo shot in the 9th. Keven Correia only lasted 4, giving up 5 runs.

Chicago White Sox (20-23): Adam Dunn drove in 3 with his 11 home run of the year. He is batting only .172 but that it a lot easier to swallow if he is launching some longs balls. Dylan Axelrod pitched well, only allowed 2 runs on 4 hits over 6 innings against the Red Sox.

Home/Kansas City Royals