Indians Rough up Jason Vargas in Royals Loss

The Cleveland Indians roughed up Kansas City Royals starter Jason Vargas for 10 hits and 4 runs before a 45-minute rain delay in the 6th, on their way to a 6-1 victory at Kauffman Stadium Friday night.

The Kansas City offense couldn’t get anything going against Cleveland starter Danny Salazar, who pitched 5.0 scoreless innings depite coming into the game witha 4.52 ERA.

The loss drops Kansas City to 14 games over .500 at 74-60. The Royals A.L. Central lead has narrowed to 1/2 game after Detroit beat the White Sox 7-1 in Chicago.

On the Mound

Jason Vargas managed to stagger through 6.0 innings, allowing 10 hits, 0 walks, and 4 earned runs with 5 strikeouts. Only Michael Brantley‘s double went for extra bases, but the Indians bunched 4 hits in the 3rd inning to score 3 runs—including 2 infield singles. Vargas left the game after a rain delay hit at the end of the Indian’ 6th.

Scott Downs entered in the 7th and escaped without damage despite allowing 1 hit and 1 walk.

Louis Coleman pitched a scoreless 8th, allowing 1 walk and notching 1 strikeout.

Francisley Bueno gave up a double and a 2-run home run in the ninth.

At the Plate

Overall the Royals piled up 9 hits and 3 walks but scored only 1 run.

Alcides Escobar swung a hot bat Friday night, going 4 for 5 with 4 singles and 1 RBI. No other Royal had more than 1 hit.

Josh Willingham reached 3 rimes, going 1 for 2 with 2 walks.

Mike Moustakas reached base twice without getting a hit, going 0 for 2, with a walk and 1 HBP.

This and That

Mike Moustakas led off the 7th by getting hit by a pitch. Alcides Escobar singled with 2 outs, but Alex Gordon lined out to end the threat.

The Royals released Bruce Chen after Thursday’s meltdown, and brought up Louis Coleman from AAA Omaha. Chen never seemed to get his footing this season after an injury early in the year.

Christian Colon made his 3rd consecutive start in place of Omar Infante, even though many expected Infante to play on Friday.

The Indians’ victory over the Royals was the 9,000th win in franchise history, which is the 3rd most in the American League.

Carlos Santana has hit 7 home runs in his last 7 games vs  the Royals. Maybe they should pitch around this guy.

 KC Kingdom Player of the Game

Alcides Escobar gets our nod for his 4-hit game and the team’s only RBI. He just didnt have any help.

More from Kansas City Royals

 The Indians

Cleveland 1B Carlos Santana continues to plague the Royals, going 2 for 4, with a single, home run (22), 1 walk, 1 run scored, and 3 RBI’s. Santana has tormented the Royals all season.

Up Next

The Royals and Indians will play the 2nd game of their series Saturday night. Kansas City will send James Shields (12-7, 3.45 ERA) to the mound, against Trevor Bauer (5-7, 4.18 ERA) for the Indians. Game time is 6:10 PM CST at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.