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KC Royals Fantasy Heroes: Lorenzo Cain Continues To Hit

By John Viril

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The KC Royals continue to roll, winning their fourth straight game to open the 2015 season. The Royals defeated the Angels 4-2 in Anaheim.

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The Kansas City Royals are maintaining the momentum from last year’s playoff run, even though they hit to road for the Los Angeles Angels home opener on Friday night.

The KC Royals now look like a dangerous club, showing both the ability to hit for power (6 home runs in 4 games) and to manufacture runs. So far, the 2015 Royals have been better than the team that won the 2014 AL pennant.

Note: Former Kansas City Royals second baseman Johnny Giavotella got his 2014 AL Champhionship ring before the game. He has won the second base job for Los Angeles. Gook luck, Johnny. Dayton Moore never gave you a real shot in KC.

LORENZO CAIN

Though KC Royals center fielder Lorenzo Cain was a breakout star during the 2014 playoffs, many doubted he would continue at the same level due to an unusually-high .380 batting average balls in play (BABIP). However, through the first four games of the season, Lorenzo Cain continues to hit.

Kansas City Royals manager Ned Yost installed Lorenzo Cain as the team’s no. 3 hitter during the 2014 playoffs, and he has been writing in Cain’s name in the three-hole ever since.

Cain was the key cog in the KC Royals 4-2 victory over the Los Angeles Angels Friday night in LA. LoCain participated in three out of KC’s four runs, scoring after hitting a double in the first, slapping an RBI single in the 5th, and driving in a valuable insurance run in the 9th by drawing a bases-loaded walk.

Not only has Lorenzo Cain been acceptable as a no. 3 hitter, he’s thrived in the role. Cain now has slashed .426/.526/.750 through Friday’s game against the Angels.

If Lorenzo Cain can hang on as KC’s no. 3 hitter, expect him to become more valuable than expected as an RBI threat in fantasy baseball.

AT THE PLATE

The KC Royals continue to flash power at the plate. They have 6 home runs in 4 games. I know it’s early, but the Kansas City Royals do not appear they will finish last in A.L. home runs in 2015.

Kendrys Morales struck the big blow with his 6th inning solo home run with 2 outs. Morales went 2 for 4 with 1 single, 1 home run, 1 run scored, and 1 RBI (3).

Lorenzo Cain had a nice game, having a hand in two runs. Cain doubled in the first inning and scored on Eric Hosmer‘s single. In the 5th, Cain singled to drive in Alcides Escobar from 2nd. Cain drove in his second run on a bases-loaded walk in the 9th. Overall, Cain finished 2 for 4, with a single, double, 1 walk, 1 run scored, and 2 RBI (6)

Alcides Escobar continues to excel in the leadoff role, going 1-3 with 2 singles, 1 walk, 1 sacrifice bunt, and 1 run scored.

ON THE MOUND

Jason Vargas was, well, Jason Vargas last night eating up 6.0 innings, while allowing 5 hits, 1 walk, 2 runs, and 3 strikeouts. Vargas recorded teh win to go 1-0.

Jason Frasor entered in the 7th and held the Angels scoreless despite allowing a 2-out double to pinch hitter Matt Joyce. Frasor logged 2 strikeouts.

Kelvin Herrera came on in the 8th and pitched a scoreless inning despite allowing a 1-out single to Mike Trout. Herrera flashed triple-digit gas while notching 1 strikeout.

Wade Davis earned his first save despite allowing a 1-out walk to Eric Ayabar. Davis struck out the side.

UP NEXT

The KC Royals continue their three game series in Los Angeles. The Kansas City Royals will send Jeremy Guthrie (0-0, 0.00 ERA) to start game two. The Angels will counter with Jered Weaver (0-1, 6.00). Game time is 7:05 PM CST at Anaheim Stadium in Los Angeles.

Next: Luke Hochevar Close To Returning To KC Royals

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