Royals Recap: Royals Fall After Horrifying Injury to Alex Cobb

Jun 14, 2013; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez (13) hits a RBI single during the fifth inning against the Tampa Bay Rays at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

A homer-happpy outing from Jeremy Guthrie snaps both Kansas City’s pitching and winning streak as the Royals lost to the Royals 5-3. KC slips to 32-34 but remains five back of the Detroit Tigers.

On the Mound

Jeremy Guthrie gave up three home runs to Rays hitters in seven innings to snap KC’s 13 game streak of allowing three runs or less. The five runs he allowed – four earned – came off of eight hits and three walks, though two of the three home runs were solo shots. He has now allowed 19 home runs in 14 starts this season.

Guthrie’s ERA for the season leaps up to 3.72 which is more than serviceable. But his 5.96 FIP and 5.02 xFIP suggests that more rough outings like Saturday’s are in his future.

Luke Hochevar pitched a scoreless eighth inning in relief.

At the Plate

Eric Hosmer had one of his best days at the plate even though he did not record a hit, crushing three balls that ended up being recorded as outs. Unfortunately, the third line drive, clocked at 102.4 mph off the bat, hit Rays starting pitcher Alex Cobb in the head, who had to be removed from the game via stretcher and sent to a local hospital. From a life standpoint: We hope Cobb makes a quick and full recovery. From a baseball point of view: We hope the experience doesn’t hinder Hosmer’s clear progress in the right direction.

Post-Cobb injury, the Royals seemed rattled and had trouble putting together good at-bats. KC scored just one more run and struck out eight times in the final 4 2/3 innings after Cobb’s injury.

Salvador Perez was 2-for-5 with a home run in the game.

This and That

– KC’s pitching staff had an ERA of 1.53 during their 13-game streak of allowing three runs or less per game.

– Perez is batting .364/.404/.568 with two home runs and 11 RBI in the 11 games he batted in the three-hole. Perez also has at least one hit in each of those game.

– Guthrie has had just five starts all season where he has not allowed a home run, and six starts where he has allowed two or more home runs.

KC Kingdom Player of the Game

Salvador Perez is Saturday’s POG with his 2-for-5 performance.

• James Shields – 6
• Alex Gordon – 9
  
• Wade Davis – 3
• Lorenzo Cain – 4.5
• Luis Mendoza – 3
• Billy Butler – 6
• Ervin Santana – 5
• Miguel Tejada – 3
  
• Jeremy Guthrie -3
• Eric Hosmer – 3.5
  
• Chris Getz
• Mike Moustakas – 3
  
• Aaron Crow
• Jarrod Dyson
• David Lough – 3
• Alcides Escobar – 2
• J.C. Gutierrez
• Jeff Francoeur
• Bruce Chen
• Salvador Perez – 3

The Rays

Cobb has been diagnosed with a mild concussion, which is remarkable to me given how bad the injury looked when it happened. Cobb had just returned to the team a week ago after being away to mourn the loss of his grandmother. Hopes/prayers/positive vibes towards Cobb and his family.

Up Next

Kansas City looks to win the series this afternoon with Wade Davis on the mound to face  Ramon Hernandez. First pitch is set for 12:40.

AL Central Notes

Detroit Tigers (37-29): Anibal Sanchez was roughed up in a 6-3 loss to Minnesota. He allowed five hits and walked four in 3 2/3 innings.

Cleveland Indians (33-34): Washington hit five home runs to earn a come-from-behind win over the Indians.

Minnesota Twins (30-35): Trevor Plouffe homered and drove in three in the Twins 6-3 win over Detroit. Mauer had two RBI himself as well.

Chicago White Sox (28-37): Houston’s Jose Veras picked off Jordan Danks to end a ninth inning rally and win 4-3. Chris Carter and Jason Castro each homered for the Astros.