The Royals had two games Wednesday and couldn’t pull off a victory in either contest. They fell to the Milwaukee Brewers 9-1 and tied the Chicago Cubs 9-9. The Royals now stand at 23-7-2 this spring.
August 11, 2012; Baltimore, MD, USA; Kansas City Royals second baseman Chris Getz (17) singles in the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards. Mandatory Credit: Joy R. Absalon-USA TODAY Sports
On the Mound
In the early game against the Brewers, newly named 5th starter Luis Mendoza suffered through a rough outing. He surrendered 6 runs (4 earned), on 10 hits and a walk. Dan Wheeler gave up his first run of the spring. In the nightcap against the Cubs, James Shields, in his final spring game, went 5 strong innings, giving up 2 runs on 3 hits. He struck out 4 and walked one. The Cubs amassed most of their runs against reliever Luke Hochevar who got beat up with 5 runs on 5 hits and a walk in two-thirds of an inning. Aaron Crow allowed 2 runs in 1.1 inning of work.
At the Plate
The Royals did little hitting in their loss against Milwaukee, scoring 1 run on only 5 hits. In the later game though, Chris Getz banged out 6 hits, including a triple and a double. He scored 2 and knocked in 2. Alex Gordon went 3-6, with 3 runs and 1 RBI. Mike Moustakas, Salvador Perez, Eric Hosmer, and Lorenzo Cain each contributed 2 hits in the 19-hit attack. Jeff Francoeur went 0-5 with 3 K’s.
This and That
Irving Falu was sent to the minors, insuring that Elliot Johnson and Miguel Tejada will make the team as the utility infielders. Donnie Joseph, Francisley Bueno, and Atahualpa Severino were also sent down. The Royals resigned veterans George Sherrill and Xavier Nady to minor league contracts. Eric Hosmer is scheduled to play in right field on Thursday as the Royals prepare to play in the National League parks in the first 5 series of the season.
Up Next
Is this spring ever going to end? Not yet. Ervin Santana will face the Cincinnati Reds in his last desert start.
AL Central Notes
Detroit Tigers: The Tigers sent Quentin Berry to the minors and have decided to to keep the versatile Don Kelly on the roster as a utility player. Matt Tuiasosopo will also break camp with the team.
Cleveland Indians: Being able to play infield and outfield is always helpful in a utility player. That versatility helped Ryan Raburn earn a spot in Cleveland bench for Opening Day.
Chicago White Sox: Shortstop Alex Ramirez left the game Wednesday with a bruised should after being hit by a Daisuke Matsuzaka pitch. X-rays were negative for broken bones.
Minnesota Twins: The team named Vance Worley the Opening Day stater. He was acquired this off season in the deal that sent Ben Revere to Philadelphia. Scott Diamond will begin the season on the DL after he had surgery in December to remove a bone chip from his elbow.
