Billy Butler Smacks two-run Homer to Win

Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

The Kansas City Royals pulled off their 5th straight win by roaring back from 5-0 deficit to win 7-5 over the Cleveland Indians at Kauffman Stadium Saturday night Billy Butler‘s 2-run home run (5) broke a 5-5 tie in the 5th inning, giving the Royals a lead they would not relinquish.

Butlur launched a long 2-run home run to left for the 2nd straight night to give the Royals a lead. He’s displaying the power that he has lacked all season. Let’s hope for the Royals sake that he’s finally waking up after a mostly dreary season so far.

The win moves the Royals to 3 games over .500 at 53-50. Kanssas City gained a game on the Detroit Tigers to pull within 5 games of first place in the American League Central.

On the Mound

Jeremy Guthrie got pounded for 5 runs in the 2nd inning. But, to his credit, he held the Indians scoreless over the next 3.2 innings, which gave the Royals a chance for the comeback. In Guthrie’s 5.2 innings, he allowed 10 hits, 2 walks, 1 home run, and 5 earned runs with 4 strikeouts. Guthrie’s perseverance gave him his 6th win of the year (6-9..

Scott Downs finished off the 6th inning by getting Jason Kipnis to ground out to 2nd, but then gave up a hit and a walk to open the 7th.

Kelvin Herrera picked up Downs by stranding both runners after entering the game in the 7th.

Wade Davis pitched yet another scoreless 8th inning despite allowing a hit and a walk.

Greg Holland earned his 27th save by pitching a clean 9th inning that included 2 strikeouts.

At the Plate

Billy hit a 2-run bomb to break a tie for the 2nd straight night. Butler started at first base in place of injured Eric Hosmer and went 2-4, with a single, home run (5), 1 run scored, and 2 RBIs.

Nori Aoki struck the other big blow in the game with his 4th inning triple with 2-outs that drove incid two runs. Aoki then scored on Cleveland catcher Yan Gomes‘ passed ball. Overall, Aoki went 2-4 with a tripe, single, 1 run scored, and 2 RBI’s.

Alcides Escobar contributed 2 hits from the no. 9 hole in the lineup, going 2-3, with 2 singles, 2 runs scored, and 1 RBI.

This and That

Billy Butler’s home run travelled an estimated 453 feet. And, just like Friday, Salvador Perez was on first base when Butler hit a dinger. Though Butler’s home run was not quite as long as the 472-foot blast from yesterday, but the team will clearly take it.

Wade Davis still has not given up an extra base this season, a streak the comprises 42 innings.

The Royals answered Cleveland’s 5 run 5th with 1 run in the 3rd and 4 runs in the 4th to put KC back in the game.

KC Kingdom Player of the Game

Billy Butler get’s our vote for re-discovering his power for the 2nd straight night. Country Breakfast needs to polish off more big meals if the Royals hope to get back into contention.