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KC Royals Fantasy Heroes: Danny Duffy Dominates

By John Viril

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The KC Royals defeated division-rival Detroit 8-1 on Thursday, fueled by seven dominant innings from starter Danny Duffy.

The Kansas City Royals bullpen could certainly use the break, after suffering from overuse in recent weeks. Further, long-reliever Chris Young will be forced to substitute for suspended starter Edinson Volquez on Friday.

KC Royals manager Ned Yost could not have asked for a better performance to kick off this weekend’s four-game A.L. Central showdown with the second-place Tigers. Royals fans have to be encouraged by the strong showing, after Detroit went 6-13 against Kansas City in the 2014 season.

The KC Royals opened a 1/2 game lead over the Tigers with Thursday’s win. The Royals are tied with the Houston Astros at 15-7 for the best record in baseball.

DANNY DUFFY

Danny Duffy enjoyed his second solid start in a row, improving on his 5.1 inning, 0 earned runs performance on April 26 against Chicago. Duffy held the Tigers scoreless through 7.0 innings, until he surrendered a leadoff triple and RBI single to begin the 8th inning.

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Not only did he shut down Detroit’s offense, he also racked up 7 strikeouts and showed good command. He allowed only 2 walks and dropped his season ERA to 3.45.

Before the last week, Duffy had been struggling with an 5.51 ERA. On April 19 against Oakland, he lasted only 5.0 innings while allowing 2 runs, but was lucky to escape with so little damage after walking five men.

Danny Duffy won his second game of the season for the KC Royals to run his record to a perfect 2-0.

Danny Duffy fantasy owners had to be happy to see Thursday night’s performance, which was his first truly dominant outing of the season. If you had parked Duffy on the bench due to his slow start, you can feel good about returning him to your rotation.

I would shy away from trying to “sell high” on Danny Duffy. He’s a left-handed pitcher with terrific stuff that appears to be coming into his prime.

AT THE PLATE

In what is becoming the usual refrain, the KC Royals offense battered Detroit pitching for 14 hits, 2 walks, and 8 earned runs on Thursday. The Kansas City Royals slammed four extra-base hits, including three doubles and one home run.

This lineup looks like a much stronger unit than last year’s club that finished dead last in team home runs and walks.

Alcides Escobar sat out with concussion symptoms after getting hit in the cheek by Cleveland starter Danny Salazar on Wednesday. His return is yet unknown.

Mike Moustakas continued to beat the shift, rolling a beautiful bunt down the third base line. On the day, Moustakas went 2 for 5, with a single, double, and 1 run scored with 1 RBI (9).

Eric Hosmer homered for the second straight game, finally cashing in on the patience he has displayed at the plate during the season’s early weeks. Hosmer finished the day 1 for 4, with the home run (3), 1 walk, and 1 run scored, with 2 RBIs (15).

Alex Gordon moved into the leadoff spot in place of Alcides Escobar. He continued his recent hitting surge with a 2 for 4 day that included 2 singles, 1 walk, and 1 run scored, with 2 RBIs (13).

Jarrod Dyson enjoyed his best day at the plate in 2015, going 3 for 4 with 2 singles and 1 run scored.

Overall, every KC Royals starter had at least one hit. The only player that failed to score a run was second baseman Omar Infante.

 ON THE MOUND

Danny Duffy lasted 7.0 innings, allowing 7 hits, 2 walks, and 1 earned run with 7 strikeouts. Duffy lasted into the 8th inning and earned his second win of the season (2-0).

Jason Frasor entered in the 8th inning with  a runner on first base. Frasor went 1.0 innings, allowing 1 walk with 2 strikeouts.

Brandon Finnegan finished off the 9th inning with a clean inning that included 1 strikeout.

UP NEXT

The KC Royals play game two of their four-game series against the Tigers on Friday. The Kansas City Royals will send Chris Young (1-0, 1.86 ERA)to the mound in place of suspended starter Edinson Volquez. Detroit will counter with Kyle Lobstein (2-1, 3.50 ERA). Game time is Friday, May 1 at 7:10 PM CST at Kauffman Stadium in Kansas City.

Next: KC Royals Crushing Fantasy Expectations

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