The Kansas City Royals moved to 4-1 thus far in spring training after taking down the Los Angeles Angels 8-2 this afternoon. After Melky Cabrera walked and stole second base off Angels starter Ervin Santana, Mitch Maier singled to drive in Cabrera to get the Royals on the board first as part of a two-run first inning. In what has been a suprise so far, Cabrera is now batting .500 during spring training, in addition to drawing two walks off Angels pitchers.
The star of the day however was easily the previously mentioned Mitch Maier. Maier, who was questionably placed fourth in today's order, certainly came through for the Royals as he was 4-for-4 at the plate with 2 RBI and a walk as well. In addition to all of that, Maier also had two steals. The Royals drew seven walks today adding to what already has been an amazing spring so far for Kansas City players showing patience at the plate.
The Angels got their two runs of the game off Royals star Kyle Davies. With Howie Kendrick on base, Angels first basemen Mark Trumbo sent a home run over the left field wall to briefly knot the game at two. On the day, Davies gave up only those two hits in his two innings of work, in addition to one strikeout and walk as well.
After taking the lead in the fourth inning, the Royals went on to score two runs a piece in the sixth and seventh innings, and a lone run in the eighth to reach the final margin. In the sixth, with Garrett Richards on the mound, Pedro Feliz walked, Gregor Blanco singled, and then Maier singled to score Feliz, knocking Richards out of the game. Brett Carroll then grounded out off new pitcher Matt Meyer allowing Blanco to cross the plate.
Though Tim Collins had to face six hitters in the bottom of the sixth, he didn't give up and a run. Then in the top of the next inning with Trevor Reckling on the mound, Jamie Romak hit a two-run shot to build the lead after the previous Royals hitter Lance Zawadzki had singled
On to the eighth inning and Clint Robinson hit a sac-fly that allowed Maier to score. Luis Mendoza then closed out the final two innings for the Royals without allowing a baserunner.
Picking up the win for the Royals was Joakim Soria who has given up one hit and struck out two in the third inning, while Richards took the loss for the Angels. Kila Ka`aihue also had another good day for the Royals going 2-for-3 with an RBI. After Davies, the Royals bullpen features Soria, Nathan Adcock, Robinson Tejeda, Collins, Louis Coleman, and Mendoza.
Thus far you have to be really pleased with what the bullpen has done so far in spring training, along with what the Royals have shown in the batter's box and on the basepaths. Let's hope the positive play continues tomorrow as the Royals head back to Surprise to take on the 1-4 Chicago Cubs, while the Angels will be squaring off against the Chicago White Sox.