Royals Recap:Ervin Santana Strong in 7-2 Win; Hosmer Has A Good Night

Good pitching, hitting, and defense could win a lot of games for the Kansas City Royals (27-32), as was the case Saturday night in the Royals’ 7-2 victory over the Houston Astros (22-41). Of course, the issue has been for Kansas City to get all three components working consistently in the same games.

Jun 8, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer (35) is tagged out at third base by Houston Astros third baseman Matt Dominguez (30) in the first inning at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

On the Mound

Ervin Santana continues to shine. He went 7 strong Saturday, surrendering just 2 runs on 5 hits. He struck out 6 and walked none. He did give up one home run, though, a solo shot to Chris Carter in the 7th. J.C. Gutierrez pitched 2 innings of 1-hit ball to polish off Santana’s 100th career victory.

At the Plate

Eric Hosmer had a perfect evening, going 2-2 with 2 walks. He also scored twice and knock one in. One of his hits was his 10th double of the season. He was called out trying to stretch it into a triple and it was a very close call. His hand appeared to be on the bag when the tag was applied but it was very bang-bang. Hosmer’s stroke is looking better, and he has gotten his average up to .277. He needs to find a a way to get a few more balls over the fence. David Lough and Miguel Tejada each had two hits. Alcides Escobar continues his slide, going 0-5.

This and That

The Royals have won 4 games in a row for the first time since the last game in April through the first three games in May.

Santana’s win was his 100th career victory. The first 96 of his career came with the Angels.

Alex Gordon got his first night off of the season.

KC Kingdom Player of the Game

Eric Hosmer’s perfect night edges out Santana by a smidge. The 3 runs produced was the key.

• James Shields – 6
• Alex Gordon – 9
  
• Wade Davis – 2
• Lorenzo Cain – 4
• Luis Mendoza – 2
• Billy Butler – 5
• Ervin Santana – 4
• Miguel Tejada – 3
  
• Jeremy Guthrie -3
• Eric Hosmer – 3
  
• Chris Getz
• Mike Moustakas – 3
  
• Aaron Crow
• Jarrod Dyson
• David Lough – 3
• Alcides Escobar – 2
• J.C. Gutierrez
• Jeff Francoeur
• Bruce Chen
• Salvador Perez

The Astros

Chris Carter’s home run was his 13th on the season, 7 more than the Royals’ leader, Alex Gordon. The Astros’ 6 hits came from 6 different batters. Eric Bedard struggled mightily Saturday. He only lasted 4.2 innings and gave up 6 runs on 8 hits and 3 walks. Brad Peacock pitched well in relief, just allowing 1 run in his 3-plus innings.

Up Next

Luis Mendoza (1-3, 4.76 ERA) will try to complete the sweep for the Royals against Lucas Harrell (4-7, 4.97 ERA) at 1:10 at Kauffman Stadium.

AL Central Notes

Detroit Tigers (34-26): The Tigers are really starting to separate with another win against the Indians. Their 6-4 victory gave them a 4 1/2 game lead. Four Tigers had 2 hits in the game , and 12 overall. Rick Porcello pitched really well, only allowing 1 earned run (and 1 unearned) in 6 innings.

Cleveland Indians (30-31): The Indians need to find a way to win today. They can ill afford to be swept by Detroit. Carlos Carrasco is not the answer for Cleveland. He was hammered for 6 runs on 10 hits and 3 walks in just 4 innings. His ERA is now 15.26 in two spot starts.

Chicago White Sox (26-34): John Danks continued to make his comeback from surgery with a strong 8 innings, 1-run outing against the Athletics.. He allowed just 3 hits, 1 walk, and 6 strikeouts in the 4-1 win.

Minnesota Twins (27-31): Joe Mauer banged out three 3 hits, including his 6th dinger of the year. The Twins squeaked by the Nationals, 4-3.