Kansas City Royals: Bruce Chen Wins Despite 12 Left On Base By Offense

The Kansas City Royals (46-51) got the strong pitching they needed to outlast the Baltimore Orioles (57-44) Tuesday night in a 3-2 squeaker. Bruce Chen won his second straight start since being reinstated to the starting rotation.

Jul 23, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Bruce Chen (52) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

On the Mound

Chen pitched 6 fantastic frames, allowing just one run on 3 hits. The run was courtesy of a Manny Machado home run. Chen struck out 4 and walked none on the the night. Ned Yost pulled Chen after he hurled 94 pitches in his 6 innings as Chen is still trying to stretch out his stamina after pitching in relief the first half of the season. Chen was at his best, keeping hitters off balance by mixing pitches and pitch speeds all night, and painting the corners consistently. Like his last outing, he was terrific.

Kelvin Herrera and Aaron Crow each tossed a scoreless inning before closer Greg Holland entered the game for the 9th. The inning was a rare struggle for Holland, as he gave up a single, a triple, and a run before notching his 25 save.

At the Plate

The Royals scored 3 and won but it should have been many more runs for the home team. As a team, the Royals left 12 on base, and it was even uglier on an individual level. Seven Royal hitters left 3 or more men on base after their at bats, led by Alex Gordon, Billy Butler, and Alcides Escobar with 4 each.

Billy Butler‘s LOB number was under the surface of the stat itself. He came to the plate in the first inning with the bases loaded and no outs. He promptly grounded to third. Machado touched third base, and threw to first for the double play. A run scored but Butler didn’t get an RBI because of the double play.

This and That

Since rejoining the rotation on July 12th, Bruce Chen in two starts, has gone 12 innings. He has allowed but 1 run, 4 hits, 1 walk, and has 8 strikeouts. Chen is now 4-0 with a 1.97 ERA and a 1.182 WHIP in 45.2 innings

KC Kingdom Player of the Game

Bruce Chen, without a doubt. The Royals and their fans should enjoy his hot streak as long as it lasts.

The Orioles

Only Nick Markakis had 2 hits Tuesday. The only other Orioles with hits were Machado, Jones, and Davis.

In Jason Hammel‘s last 14 starts, he is 3-6 with a 5.82 ERA and a 1.585 WHIP. Last night’s 10 hits and 4 walks in 6 innings didn’t help his numbers much.

Up Next

Ervin Santana (6-6, 3.18 ERA) will take the hill tonight at 7:10 to face off against Wei-Yin Chen (5-3, 2.67 EA). Another good outing should boost Santana’s trade value but it is doubtful Dayton Moore will recognize the fact.

AL Central Notes

Detroit Tigers (55-44): Jhonny Peralta, with a possible suspension dangling over his head, went 2-4 with a home run, 2 runs, and 2 RBI in Detroit’s 6-2 win over the White Sox. Rick Porcello pitched 7 scoreless 4-hit ball, earning the win.

Cleveland Indians (52-48): Zach McAllister was activated from the DL yesterday, then dropped his first decision, 4-3, to the Mariners. He went 5, allowing 4 runs (1 unearned) on 8 hits and 3 walks. Asdrubal Cabrera and Lonnie Chisenhall had 2 hits for the Indians.

Minnesota Twins (43-54): The Twins scored 7 runs in the top of the 10th inning against the Angels, to blow open a tied ball game. Chris Herrmann‘s grand slam was the big hit in the inning.

Chicago White Sox (39-58): Three of the six runs Hector Santiago gave up to the Tigers were unearned in the 6-2 loss last night. Santiago gave up 5 hits in 6 innings but he also walked 5. Paul Konerko, back from the DL, knocked in both Sox runs.

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Royals Recap: Chen Wins Despite 12 Left On Base By Offense

By Joel Wagler | Jul 24, 2013