The KC Royals had their day-night doubleheader rained out on Friday. No one in the Cactus League could escape the rain across Arizona. Trust me, there was even hail at night.
After the rain outs, the Royals made some cuts, sending four players to minor league camp. Pitchers Noel Arguelles, Sugar Ray Marimon, and Ryan Verdugo, along with catcher Julio Rodriguez were the four unfortunate.
Next up, the Royals will play the SF Giants on Saturday in Scottsdale. Yusmeiro Petit will start for the Giants. Nate Adcock, Donnie Joseph, and Dan Wheeler are expected to pitch for the Royals, though no starter has been named. That is because Wade Davis has been scratched due to shoulder soreness.
On to the Royals in the World Baseball Classic…
In the Dominican Republic’s opening game in Pool C against Venezuela (which they won 9-3), Kelvin Herrera got into a world of trouble. He entered in the 3rd inning with one out and allowed two inherited runners to score. In just 1/3 of an inning, he allowed two hits. Atahualpa Severino followed and recorded the inning’s final out. However, he then allowed a run of his own in the fourth on a wild pitch. Former Royal Octavio Dotel followed and loaded the bases on one hit and a walk, but got Pablo Sandoval to fly out to end the fourth.
In today’s WBC action, Italy shocked the world with a 14-4 eight inning drubbing of Canada. I was there and have seen Italy twice and they are the real deal. Anyway, former Royals minor leaguer Tim Smith struck out in his 7th inning pinch-hit appearance. It came with two men on base after Canada cut the deficit to 6-4.
Puerto Rico beat Spain, 3-0 in their first WBC game as host. Irving Falu went 1-for-3 with a double and played great defense at second base. Former Royal Carlos Beltran also went 1-for-3 with a double, while also walking, scoring a run, and driving in a run.
Mexico is currently beating Team USA, 5-1 in the seventh. Luis Mendoza skirted into and out of trouble in relief of Yovani Gallardo. He allowed three hits and two walks over two innings. He did strike out three.
UPDATE: Mexico did upset the USA to even their record at 1-1 with a day game tomorrow against Canada. Tim Collins pitched in the 7th inning of the loss. He recorded just one out, as he walked one and gave up a hit. He was replaced by Miami’s Steve Cishek, who escaped the jam.
