Royals Recap: Offense Ineffective Once Again; Bonifacio Debuts

For the third straight game, the Kansas City Royals (62-57) were unable to muster much in the way offense. The Royals succumbed to the division-leading Detroit Tigers (71-49) by a score of 4-1.

Aug 12, 2013; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals second baseman Chris Getz (17) drives in a run with a single in the fourth inning against the Miami Marlins at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

On the Mound

To be honest, the score could have been much worse. Jeremy Guthrie protected to the bullpen in anticipation of today’s doubleheader by going 7 innings, even though he gave up a whopping 13 hits. Not issuing any free passes helped him control the damage a bit, as did some sparkling defensive play, especially from Emilio Bonifacio, who made his Royal debut.

Louis Coleman had mop up duty, pitching another perfect inning in the 9th.

At the Plate

To the chagrin of Royals bloggers everywhere, Chris Getz was pretty much the offense. He went 2-4 and scored the Royals only run. Eric Hosmer also added 2 hits. The team only recorded three others on the night, including Bonifacio’s first hit in his first plate appearance for the Royals.

Pretty paltry stuff.

This and That

The Royals have never won a game when Chris Getz is penned in as the lead off hitter. This game, however, that wasn’t his fault.

Louis Coleman still hasn’t allowed a run to score. In 18 innings, he allowed just 8 hits and 3 walks while striking out 20. Why was J.C. Gutierrez ever on this roster?

Things are starting to slip away from the Royals with this 3-game losing streak. They must find a way to get back on track today. Their offense, which has scored just 3 total runs in the last 3 games, must wake up, and quickly. In those three games, Kansas City has only tallied 16 hits in 28 innings.

KC Kingdom Player of the Game

For lack of any other candidates, and to be flat out perverse, Chris Getz is the KCK POG.

Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

The Tigers

Andy Dirks had a nice little night, going 4-4 with 2 runs scored. One of his hits was erased when he got caught in a rundown between 2nd and third on a ground ball back to the mound.

Anibal Sanchez was a real workhorse, gutting out 7.1 innings. He surrendered just 1 run on 7 hits and 1 walk.

Up Next

The guys have a big double header today. In game one, Danny Duffy (0-0, 4.91 ERA) gets to take on Justin Verlander (12-8, 3.57). Game two will feature James Shields (7-8, 3.33 ERA) facing off against Jose Alvarez 91-2, 5.03). Not sure why Shields isn’t pitching against Verlander. Isn’t that why the Royals acquired him?

AL Central Notes

Cleveland Indians (65-56): Did not play. The Indians start a weekend series with the Athletics.

Minnesota Twins (54-65): The Twins edged the White Sox, 4-3, by scoring a run in both the 8th and 9th inning. Chris Herrmann had the walk-off single that scored Doug Bernier.

Chicago White Sox (46-74): Andre Rienzo allowed just 1 earned run (and 1 unearned run) over 6 innings. He held the Sox to just 4 hits with no walks. Alejandro De Aza went 1-4 with 2 runs scored and a walk.