The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Royals continue to rule over the Tribe
Indians starting pitcher Danny Salazar gives up four runs in 5 1⁄3 innings and Kansas City beat the Tribe for the second game in a row, 5-3.
The Kansas City Royals are feeling a little better after a couple of successful days in Cleveland.
Alcides Escobar hit a tiebreaking two-run double in the sixth, Mike Moustakas homered and the Royals beat the Indians, 5-2, on Saturday.
Kansas City, an AL-worst 20-27 coming into the day, has won two straight this weekend against the Indians.
Jason Vargas (6-3) allowed two runs in 5 2/3 innings. Kelvin Herrera worked the ninth for his second save in two days and No. 11 on the season.
“These are the kind of
games we need to play,” Vargas said. “Momentum builders like that can really get you going.”
While Kansas City is feeling good again, Cleveland manager Terry Francona admitted his team is frustrated. The Indians have lost four of five since sweeping three games from Houston, which has the best record in the majors.
“We need to go out and play baseball every day like we love the game and the game is the most important (thing),” Francona said. “I know we need to do a better job of that.”
Cleveland right-hander
Danny Salazar (3-5) allowed four runs, three earned, in 5 1/3 innings.
Royals manager Ned Yost and first baseman Eric Hosmer were ejected by plate umpire Bill Welke in the first inning. They were thrown out for arguing after it was ruled that Hosmer failed to check his swing and struck out with the bases loaded and no outs.
Kansas City loaded the bases with one out in the sixth. Alex Gordon hit a tying RBI single off Boone Logan, which brought Nick Goody out of Cleveland’s bullpen.
Escobar sent a line drive to the left side of the infield, but shortstop Francisco Lindor couldn’t make a leaping grab. The ball rolled into left-center field, scoring two runs.
Moustakas, who went 3-for-4 with a walk, added a leadoff drive in the ninth for his 13th of the season.
Salvador Perez put Kansas City ahead with a sacrifice fly in the first, but Lindor’s homer tied the game in the bottom half.