Royals Recap: Losing Streak Ends; Alex Gordon's Average Sits At .352

It wasn’t pretty or overwhelming by any sense but the Kansas City Royals (21-21) did end their ugly four-game skid to retake the .500 plateau on the season. The Royals came back late with 7 runs in the final three frames to beat the Houston Astros (13-33) by a count of 7-3.

May 19, 2013; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics first baseman Brandon Moss (37) is thrown out at second by Kansas City Royals short stop Alcides Escobar (2) during the 4th inning at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports

On the Mound

Once again, Wade Davis wasn’t just awful, but he was far from impressive. Despite only going 5 innings, he was touched up for 3 runs on 8 hits and 4 walks. He did strike out 6 but it may have been more about the Houston hitters than his stuff. Royals fans were certainly hoping he would emerge as a number three rotation guy, maybe even a 2, but it is looking more and more like he is a mediocre 4 at best, probably a number 5, maybe nothing but a good middle reliever. If he does not improve quickly, and the Royals can’t make a serious run at the playoffs, the trade for James Shields and Davis is going to lose some of its luster for me.

At the Plate

Alex Gordon again drove the bus, sort of. He was 3-4 with a walk, and for the first 6 innings, he was the only Royal hitter that showed much life. The crazy thing is that he wasn’t too involved in the offense late when they were scoring, although he did walk and score in the 8th. Alcides Escobar got the scoring going in the 7th with a big, pinch-hit, RBI single.

This and That

Gordon now has a league leading 21 multi-hit games.

The Royals had 13 hits on Tuesday, every one of which was a single. It was also only the 13th time in franchise history that they scored 7 or more runs without an extra base hit and the first time in 8 seasons.

KC Kingdom Player of the Game

Yes, Gordon reached base 4 times and has been the epitome of terrific this season, but Alcides Escobar actually came up with the hit that sparked the comeback and win with his pinch hit, RBI single. Escobar also got an RBI in the 8th on a ground out that turned into an error by Houston, when they didn’t turn the double play.

The Astros

Bud Norris appeared to injury his back on the second batter of the game. Elliot Johnson grounded out to first and Norris covered the bag, twisting in an uncomfortable looking way. After consulting with coaches and trainers, Norris stayed in the game. Eventually he left in the 7th, due to the injury. The Royals were baffled by Norris and did all their damage after he left the game.

Up Next

James Shields (2-4, 2.45 ERA) will try to end the bumpy road trip with a win tonight at 7:10 against Jordan Lyles (1-1, 6.63). Shields has been terrific this season but the Royals have not backed him up with much offense. Hopefully, the hitters will give him some support tonight.

AL Central Notes

Detroit Tigers (24-19): Max Scherzer was brilliant in the 5-1 win against the division leading Indians. He allowed one run on just 2 hits over 8 frames. He struck out 7 and walked one. Miguel Cabrera homed and drove in 2.

Cleveland Indians (26-18): Michael Bourn had 2 hits on the night (one off Jose Valverde in the 9th), and scored the Indians’ only run in the game in the first inning..

Minnesota Twins (18-24): The Twins scored 2 in the 8th to take a 1-run lead, then gave up single runs in the 9th and 10th to lose. Joe Mauer, Justin Morneau, and Ryan Doumit each tallied 2 hits in the loss.

Chicago White Sox (21-23): The Sox stayed hot as Jose Quintana threw 6.1 innings of hitless ball before allowing 3 straight in the 7th. Jesse Crain struck out the next 2 batters with the bases loaded to tend the inning. Jeff Keppinger hit his 1st homer of the year.

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Royals Recap: Losing Streak Ends; Alex Gordon’s Average Sits At .352

By Joel Wagler | May 22, 2013