Regression. The Kansas City Royals (34-38) enjoyed two week of winning. The problem is that when a team relies so heavily on just one part of the game, like the Royals do with pitching, that team will regress to what they really are. As the Royals are doing right now. After a 3-2 loss at the hand of divisional rival Chicago White Sox (31-41), it has become crystal clear the Royals are actually closer to the team we saw in May, rather than the team that won all those games just a short time ago in early to mid June.
Jun 22, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Wade Davis (22) delivers a pitch in the first inning against the Chicago White Sox at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports
On the Mound
Wade Davis had his 4th good outing in a row. He sailed through 7 innings, giving up 2 runs on 8 hits and 2 walks. He struck out 6. Both runs came in the 4th after Davis walked the lead off batter (walks kill), then gave up 3 hits in the frame. The game was tied when he exited and the bullpen could not hold the Sox scoreless, as Aaron Crow gave up the winning run in the 9th.
At the Plate
The offense sputtered around, as usual. They only accumulated 7 total hits, including 2 each from Mike Moustakas and Eric Hosmer. The Royals struck out 6 times.
This and That
Mike Moustakas drove in his first run since May 23rd. His batting sits at .201, the first time since May 13th has been at .200 or higher. He has only spent 14 days at .2oo or higher all season.
In his last 4 starts, Wade Davis has lowered his ERA from 6.16 to 4.96. In those 4 starts, he has 21 strikeouts and only 8 walks in 24.2 innings.
There was news to celebrate Saturday. The Royals activated Jarrod Dyson and sent Chris Getz to AAA Omaha. His failure to drop a key bunt in Cleveland may have been the final of apparently thousands, of straws. It was the right move.
KC Kingdom Player of the Game
No hitters stood out as outstanding, and Davis seems to be improving. Davis is our KCK POG for the day.
- James Shields – 7
- Alex Gordon – 9
- Wade Davis – 4
- Lorenzo Cain – 5
- Luis Mendoza – 3
- Billy Butler – 6
- Ervin Santana – 6
- Miguel Tejada – 3
- Jeremy Guthrie -3
- Eric Hosmer – 5
- Chris Getz
- Mike Moustakas – 3
- Aaron Crow
- Jarrod Dyson
- David Lough – 4
- Alcides Escobar – 3
- J.C. Gutierrez
- Jeff Francoeur
- Bruce Chen
- Salvador Perez – 3
The Indians
The White Sox bullpen pitched 3.2 scoreless innings Saturday, surrendering only 2 hits and a walk. Addison Reed picked up save number 21. Former Royal Jeff Keppinger, who has had a bit of a rough year, went 3-3 with a walk.
Up Next
This is never good news for the Royals offense. James Shields (2-6, 2.72 ERA) will try to end this very damaging 4-game skid against Dylan Axelrod (3-4, 4.39 ERA). He basically has to pitch a complete game shutout to have a chance.
AL Central Notes
June 22, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Tigers starting pitcher Max Scherzer (37) pitches in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Comerica Park. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Detroit Tigers (41-32): The Tigers got back on the winning track behind new ace Max Scherzer, who is now 11-0 on the season. What an incredible accomplishment for the former Missouri Tiger! Not only does he have the 11 wins, Scherzer has 122 strikeouts and only 24 walks in 103.1 innings. Detroit banged out 15 hits in the 10-3 win over Boston. Austin Jackson, Torii Hunter, and Andy Dirks each had 3 base knocks. Victor Martinez was 2-3 with a home run, 3 runs scored, and 5 RBI, plus 2 walks.
Cleveland Indians (38-35): The Indians stay hot with a 8-7 win over the Twins. Michael Bourn was 3-4 with a run scored and 3 RBI to lead Cleveland’s attack. Jason Kipnis stayed hot as well with 3 hits and 2 RBI.
Minnesota Twins (33-38): The Twins, like the Royals, are starting to let hopes slip away. P.J. Walters gave up 6 runs in the first inning. It was his control that cost him – he only allowed 1 hit but he walked 5. He only recorded 2 outs before getting the hook.