With Vin Mazzaro taking the mound for the Royals, you certainly hoped for the best but expected it would take a valiant effort to obtain a win. However the Angels were no match for the Royals on Sunday as Kansas City won 9-0. With the win, the Royals won 2 of 3 over the weekend in Anaheim.
Mazzaro lasted seven innings for the Royals, giving up five hits and walking five without giving up a run. It was like one of the more run of the mill shutouts you will see pitching wise, as Kansas City benefited greatly behind five double plays turn on defense during the game. The last time the Royals turned five double plays in a single game was September of 2009. With the victory, Mazzaro is now evened out to 1-1 on the year, which is remarkable considering his 10.80 ERA.
The offense got started in the second inning scoring one run, but amped up in the fourth, scoring four more runs to take a 5-0 lead. Alex Gordon had the big hit in the inning, a two-run double scoring Chris Getz and Alcides Escobar. Both Getz and Escobar extended hit streaks to six games.
Offensively, the Royals tallied 13 hits on the day, with Getz, Escobar and Billy Butler picked up two hits each. Alex Gordon lead the way with his 3-for-5 day at the plate, driving in two runs. Lightly used Mitch Maier was 1-for-3 at the plate, but also drew two walks and scored three runs for this Royals. In brief playing time this season, the reserve outfielder has a line of .323/.462/.452. It will be interesting to see if Kansas City looks to move Maier over the upcoming weeks, depending on what type of trade interest he may be drawing.
With the win, Kansas City finishes 7-3 against the Angels this season, winning all three series played between the teams.
Blake Wood pitched two innings of scoreless relief, as Kansas City improved to 29-37, though they have won three of the last four games. Los Angeles falls to 31-36. Sunday's boxscore can be viewed here.
The Royals are due for an off day on Monday, but they will be still in California as they head up to the Bay Area, where they will take on the Oakland Athletics for a three-game series. Danny Duffy (0-2 5.55) will be facing Trevor Cahill (6-4 3.18) at 9:05 CST on Tuesday evening.