MLB: Kansas City Royals win second straight

For the second time in as many days, the Kansas City Royals defeated the Houston Astros, winning Wednsday night’s tilt by a score of 6-4 in 11 innings.

The two teams combined for 23 hits and Royals fans finally were able to see a couple of elusive homeruns, hit by Danny Valencia and Mike Moostakas. The twin bombs raise the season total for Kansas City to a paltry 4, but of note is the fact both came from the 3b position, which has been an offensive black hole for the Royals thus far in 2014. Moostakas raised his season average to .119 with his pinch hit go ahead blast in the 11th inning.

Eric Hosmer, Alcides Escobar and Danny Valencia all recorded 2 hits on the night, and Royals were frequenting the bases throughout the game with the only Royals player in the lineup not managing to reach base being right fielder Justin Maxwell.

Billy Butler’s offensive struggle continued as he looked lost at the plate for most of the evening, striking out twice and seeing his season average dip to .149. He was able to bloop a single into shallow right for his lone successful at-bat on the night.

Jeremy Guthrie pitched 6 innings of work allowing 4 runs. He was primarily stung by the long ball, with all 4 runs coming on a pair of 2 run homers. He struck out 4, and for the most part did what Guthrie typically does in allowing base runners, but usually finding a way out of a jam.

The Royals bullpen had a fantastic night as a whole, with Aaron Crow and Kelvin Herrera both pitching a scoreless frame before giving way to Danny Duffy who pitched the 9th and 10th innings masterfully. Duffy struck out 4, allowing 3 hits and a walk but looked unhittable at times. Closer Greg Holland came in to finish the game off pitching a scoreless 11th allowing 1 run with 1 strikeout.

While the Royals defense has been highly touted after having an incredibly successful 2013 campaign, they allowed 4 errors tonight (13 in 13 games on the season) but fortunately none produced a run for the Astros.

Injuries:

Lorenzo Cain left the game with a grade 1 groin strain and is day to day according to Star beat writer Andy McCullough.

Bruce Chen who was scheduled to start tonights game has been pushed back due to abdominal discomfort and will see James Shields moved up into his spot to pitch Thursday nights game.