Royals Recap: Wade Davis Craps Out Against The Twins

The Kansas City Royals (37-41) couldn’t overcome a disastrous first inning in their 6-2 loss against the Minnesota Twins (36-41). The Twins scored all of their runs in the first two innings, and although they produced nothing the rest of the game, it was enough.

Jun 29, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Will Smith (53) delivers a pitch in the sixth inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Center. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports

On the Mound

Things didn’t go as planned for starter Wade Davis on Saturday. He threw 54 pitches in the first inning on his way walking three and giving up 4 hits while 5 runs crossed the plate. He started the second by surrendering another hit and two more walks without recording an out, and Davis was done.

Will Smith came in and pitched 5 terrific, scoreless innings, only allowing 3 hits and no walks. He struck out 6.

At the Plate

Eric Hosmer, Salvador Perez, and Mike Moustakas each had 2 hits but those hits only produced 1 RBI. The Royals struggled to come up with key hits all day, stranding 9 runners.

Alex Gordon went 0-5 to drop his average .286. Lorenzo Cain had a goose egg as well, with an 0-4 day to drop his average to .257.

This and That

After the game, the Royals designated Jeff Francoeur for assignment  Saturday after a uneven and disappointing 2 and a half seasons as a Royal. In his last plat appearance as a Royal, Francoeur struck out pinch hitting for Jarrod Dyson.

Johnny Giavotella will take Frenchy’s roster spot, will be the regular second baseman.

KC Kingdom Player of the Game

Without an overwhelming offensive candidate, the job Will Smith did, coming in and shutting down the Twins, is POG worthy. He limited the damage and gave the hitters a chance to come back. The fact they didn’t wasn’t his fault.

• James Shields – 7
• Alex Gordon – 10
  
• Wade Davis – 4
• Lorenzo Cain – 5
• Luis Mendoza – 3
• Billy Butler – 6
• Ervin Santana – 6
• Miguel Tejada – 3
  
• Jeremy Guthrie -3
• Eric Hosmer – 7
  
• Chris Getz
• Mike Moustakas – 3
  
• Aaron Crow
• Jarrod Dyson – 2
  
• David Lough – 4
• Alcides Escobar – 3
• J.C. Gutierrez
• Jeff Francoeur
• Bruce Chen
• Salvador Perez – 4
• Will Smith

The Twins

Kyle Gibson became the first Twin pitcher to be drafted in the first round to win his MLB debut. He allowed just 2 runs on 8 hits in 6 innings. He struck out 5 and didn’t walk a batter. Trevor Plouffe hit his 6th homer on the season. The Twins now have a half game lead on the Royals for third place in the AL Central.

Up Next

Ervin Santana (5-5, 2.74 ERA) will try to gain a series split for the Royals. He will face off against the steady Kevin Correia (6-5, 3.72 ERA) at 1:10.

AL Central Notes

Detroit Tigers (43-36): The bullpen failed the Tigers once again. Bruce Rondon gave up a run on 3 hits in the 10th to lose 4-3 to the Rays. Justin Verlander had a strong outing, allowing just 3 runs (1 unearned) in 8 frames. Austin Jackson hit his 4th home run, and Victor Martinez had 3 hits.

Cleveland Indians (43-38): The Indians stay red hot and are now just 1 game behind the Tigers after beating the White Sox 4-3. Asdrubal Cabrera and the blazing hot Jason Kipnis each homered. Kipnis is hitting .500 (20-40) during his current 11-game hitting streak.

Chicago White Sox (32-46): The White Sox are spiraling downward at an alarming rate rate now. They lost their 4th game in a row, three of which have been against the Indians. The normally dependable Jesse Crain gave up the losing run in the eighth.