Royals Recap: Guthrie Survives Long Rain Delay, Beats Yankees

Jeremy Guthrie is a savvy veteran who apparently knows how to properly wait out a rain delay. Monday night, Guthrie and the Kansas City Royals (42-44) beat the New York Yankees (48-41), 5-1, in a game marred by rain and an unprepared grounds crew.

Jun 21, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Jeremy Guthrie (11) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

On the Mound

Jeremy Guthrie looked like the Jeremy Guthrie from April. Even a 59-minute rain delay couldn’t stop the man. After one out in the 4th inning, rain, which had been falling intermittently for an inning, came pouring down. The game was paused but the delay went on longer than necessary when the grounds crew could not get the tarp on field. Parts of the infield just got drenched. After 59 minutes, the game was back on and Guthrie didn’t miss a beat. He finished with 6.1 innings, allowing 6 hits and 1 run, a pinch hit homer by Lyle Overbay in the 7th. Tim Collins, Aaron Crow, and Luke Hochevar (Hoche faced two batters, walking one and allowing a hit to the other) set up shut down closer Greg Holland, who allowed a hit but struck out the side in the ninth for his 21st save.

At the Plate

The offense was a bit more lively on Monday. They produced 10 hits, 7 of which were extra base hits, including 5 doubles, a triple by Alcides Escobar, and a home run by Billy Butler. Eric Hosmer, Mike Moustakas, and David Lough each had 2 hits on the night.

This and That

The Royals announced that Friday, Bruce Chen would take Luis Mendoza‘s spot in the rotation. Like THAT is the answer.

With no fresh long relievers available, the Royals sent Will Smith back to Omaha and recalled Louis Coleman, who has been stretched out just a little in AAA.

Lyle Overbay, with his 10th home run, would lead the Royals in that department. He only hit 4 homers in 2012 while playing for 3 teams.

Escobar’s triple was only his 2nd extra base hit in his last 12 games, in 51 plate appearances.

KC Kingdom Player of the Game

It has got to be Guthrie, staying loose enough during the rain delay to be able to pitch effectively when it was over. The long relief pitchers had been used up (and, in once case, sent to AAA) on Sunday, so this was a huge deal for the Royals. He is the POG.

• James Shields – 7
• Alex Gordon – 11
  
• Wade Davis – 4
• Lorenzo Cain – 6
• Luis Mendoza – 3
• Billy Butler – 6
• Ervin Santana – 6
• Miguel Tejada – 3
  
• Jeremy Guthrie -4
• Eric Hosmer – 9
  
• Chris Getz
• Mike Moustakas – 3
  
• Aaron Crow
• Jarrod Dyson – 3
  
• David Lough – 5
• Alcides Escobar – 3
• J.C. Gutierrez
• Jeff Francoeur
• Bruce Chen
• Salvador Perez – 4
• Will Smith
• George Kottaras

The Yankees

It is amazing how many games the Yankees have won with the injuries they have suffered and the line-ups they run out onto the field. The roster is filled with has-beens and never-will-bes.

Yankee starter Phil Hughes was unable to return after the rain had passed. He ended up surrendering 2 runs in his 4 innings of work.

Up Next

Game two of this 4-game match-up is tonight a 6:05. James Shields (3-6, 3.23 ERA) will take the bump for the Royals and CC Sabathia (9-6, 4.06 ERA) gets the call for the Yankees.

AL Central Notes

Detroit Tigers (49-39): Detroit took the Cleveland series 3 games to 1, when Victor Martinez doubled home two runs in the 10 inning. Matt Tuiasosopo homered in the contest. Max Scherzer, going for his 14th win, only allowed 2 runs in 7 innings in the no-decision.

Cleveland Indians (46-43): The 4-2 loss to the Tigers moved the Indians back to 3.5 games behind. They do hold a 2.5 advantage on the Royals for second place. Matt Albers allowed the winnings runs in the 10th.

Minnesota Twins (37-49): The Twins continue to flail, losing 7-4 to the Rays, despite a home run from Justin Morneau. Sam Deduno got rocked for 5 runs on 10 hits in 6 innings (He evidently can only dominate the Royals). Minnesota is now 11 back of the Tigers.

Chicago White Sox (34-52): It is about over for the White Sox. Their 8-2 beating at the hands of cross-town rival Cubs, dropped them to 14 back of the Tigers. The Sox offensive woes continue as they only mustered 5 hits against Matt Garza and mates.