Royals Recap: Lough Gets 3 Hits; Santana Struggles

The roller coaster that is the Kansas City Royals (43-46) continued at full speed against the New Yankees (50-42) Thursday afternoon. For once, it was Kansas City jumping out early, leading 3-0 after their first at bat, and 4-1 after their second. It was all a steep decline from there as the Royals fell, 8-4.

Jun 26, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals right fielder David Lough (7) connects for a single in the tenth inning of the game against the Atlanta Braves at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports

On the Mound

Ervin Santana just was not sharp. He struggled with his control all day. Eight runs crossed the plate against him in just 5 innings, fueled by 10 hits and 3 walks. The bullpen combined for 3 scoreless innings but the damage was already done.  Louis Coleman struck out the first 4 batters he faced. That was 7 in a row, going back to Wednesday, when he struck out the side.

At the Plate

The Royals did manage 10 hits on the day, half of which were in the first 2 innings. From that point on, the offense pretty much just sputtered. David Lough went 3-4 on the day, and Alcides Escobar, 2-5.

This and That

The Royals are 5-5 through the first half of this brutal stretch of games when every team they play is in either first or second place in their division. The lone exception was the Yankees, though they are 8 games over .500.

KC Kingdom Player of the Game

The pickings are oh so slim, but we will go with David Lough and his 3 hits.

• James Shields – 8
• Alex Gordon – 11
  
• Wade Davis – 4
• Lorenzo Cain – 7
• 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 – 6
• Alcides Escobar – 3
• J.C. Gutierrez
• Jeff Francoeur
• Bruce Chen
• Salvador Perez – 4
• Will Smith
• George Kottaras
• Louis Coleman

The Yankees

Derek Jeter made his season debut Thursday. In his first at bat, he squibbed a ball up the third base line that Miguel Tejada was unable to handle cleanly for a hit. He went 1-3 on the day.

Andy Pettitte is 16-3 in his career against the Royals.

Up Next

The Royals go into Cleveland for their final series before the break. Bruce Chen (3-0, 2.41 ERA) will make his 2013 debut as a starter tonight against Corey Kluber (6-5, 4.23 ERA).

AL Central Notes

Detroit Tigers (50-41): The Tigers dropped a 6-3 decision to the White Sox, despite home runs by Miguel Cabrera and Matt Tuiasosopo, and 3 hits by Victor Martinez. Anibal Sanchez took the loss.

Cleveland Indians (48-44):Danny Salazar made his major league debut with a terrific performance. he pitched 6 innings of 2-hit ball, allowing just 1 run. He struck out 7 while walking 1 in the 4-2 victory.

Minnesota Twins (37-52): The Twins struck out 13 times and only produced 4 hits against Matt Moore and Rays, yet still only lost 4-3. Mike Pelfrey took the loss despite the quality start.

Chicago White Sox (36-53): The White Sox generated enough offense behind Chris Sale to beat the Tigers 6-3. Alejandro De Aza led the charge with a 3-5 day that including a home run, 2 runs scored, and a RBI.