The KC Royals and Texas Rangers looked like they were going to play to another 5-5 tie on Sunday afternoon. Instead, the Royals bench scored single runs in the eighth and ninth inning to win 7-5.
Xavier Nady drove in the go ahead run with a single in the 8th inning (which I totally called because Josh Linblom was on the mound for Texas). Brett Hayes delivered a two out insurance run with a single in the 9th inning (his only at-bat).
This came after the Royals had a 5-1 lead heading into the bottom of the 5th inning. They scored four runs in the top of the first inning against Rangers started Matt Harrison.
Luis Mendoza started and allowed just one run on four hits and a walk over four innings. He struck out two. John Lamb followed and allowed one run on four hits over his one inning of work. Lefty Tim Collins allowed the Rangers to tie the game in the sixth, as he allowed three runs on one hit and two walks. Leury Garcia hit a two-run homerun for the lone hit.
The following three innings were complete dominance for the Royals trio of Louis Coleman, who picked up the win with a perfect inning of relief, Kelvin Herrera, and Michael Mariot, who picked up the save as he struck out two of the three batters he faced.
On offense, the Royals pounded out 17 hits. Starters Willy Taveras and Jeff Francoeur each collected two hits. Frenchy even hit a triple. Salvador Perez went 3-for-3 with two runs scored and a double. His replacement behind the plate, Manny Pina, went 1-for-2 with a double and a run scored. Alcides Escobar went 1-for-3 with a triple, a run scored, and an RBI. His replacement, Irving Falu, went 2-for-2.
Max Ramirez and Johnny Giavotella also delivered two out RBI singles. Click HERE to check out photos from the game.
The Royals will FINALLY play someone different this spring on Monday afternoon, as they face Arizona. Chris Dwyer will get the start. Noel Arguelles and Juan Gutierrez will also pitch.
*Bob Dutton of the Kansas City Star answers fans’ questions on Sunday. He also has a nice article about prospect Yordano Ventura.
