Royals scuffle against division rival Indians

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The Kansas City Royals have lost 11 consecutive games to the Cleveland Indians, with the visit from “The Tribe” to Kansas City this week slamming the Royals momentum out cold, completing a sweep with a 5-3 victory on Wednesday night, and a 4-2 win on Thursday night.

The Royals best opportunity to end the streak came and went in the bottom of the 10th inning on Wednesday, with Blake Parker (2-0) escaping a bases loaded, no out jam to earn the victory for Cleveland.  In the top of the 11th inning, Austin Hedges had an RBI single, with Yu Change following with a run-scoring double.

Jackson Kowar started for KC, allowing two unearned runs over six innings, lowering his ERA from 18.00 to 8.18.

As September began, the Royals brought infielder Adalberto Mondesi back to the roster, with the oft-injured star expected to see time at third base and designated hitter in the final four weeks of the season.  Nicky Lopez’s strong play at shortstop has moved Mondesi, the opening day starter at that position, elsewhere on the diamond.  Jackson Kowar was called up from Class AAA Omaha as well before getting the ball on Wednesday night.

Right-hander Jakob Junis was placed on the 10-day IL, with left-hander Jake Brentz activated from the 10-day IL.  On Tuesday, right-hander Scott Blewett was optioned down to Omaha.

Here is the MLB scoreboard from Wednesday, September 1, 2021:

Colorado 9, Texas 5

Chicago (AL) 6, Pittsburgh 3

Chicago (NL) 3, Minnesota 0 

Seattle 1, Houston 0 

New York (AL) 4, Los Angeles (AL) 1

Toronto 5, Baltimore 4

Detroit 8, Oakland 6

Boston 3, Tampa Bay 2

Philadelphia at Washington – PP (Rain) 

St. Louis 5, Cincinnati 4

Arizona 8, San Diego 3

Cincinnati 12, St. Louis 2

Milwaukee 5, San Francisco 2

Los Angeles (NL) 4, Atlanta 3

 

On Thursday night, Triston McKenzie held the Royals offense to just one run and two hits over six innings, as Cleveland won at Kauffman Stadium, 4-2.  Owen Miller had the game’s decisive swing, a three-run homer in the top of the 5th inning.

The Indians are headed for Boston for a three-game series against the Red Sox this weekend, with the Royals hosting the White Sox for three games, with the first game Friday night at 7:10, with 6:30 pregame on KTTN AM 1600 and FM 98.3.  The Royals have yet to name a starter for the opener, while Chicago goes with Dallas Keuchel.

Here is the MLB scoreboard for Thursday, September 2, 2021:

Oakland 8, Detroit 6

Boston 4, Tampa Bay 0

Philadelphia 7, Washington 6

San Francisco 5, Milwaukee 1

New York (NL) 4, Miami 3

Chicago (NL) 6, Pittsburgh 5 (11)

Atlanta 6, Colorado 5