The buzz on the Kansas City Royals heading into this season was all about the team’s position players. The swing of Eric Hosmer, the power of Mike Moustakas and a heart of the order that also boasts Alex Gordon and Billy Butler are all headlines for a promising team. Tell that to Tommy Milone of the Oakland Athletics, who beat the Royals 1-0 last night on Milone’s eight shutout innings.
Milone was dominant allowing only three hits all night, but the Royals staff was also very impressive. Luis Mendoza went nearly six innings and allowed only one run. Tim Collins and Jose Mijares combined for two-plus innings of scoreless relief. Unfortunately the bats simply weren’t responsive on a night when the slightest margin would have helped.
Hosmer, Butler and Jeff Francoeur were all hitless on the night. Oakland’s Josh Donaldson knocked in the game’s only run on an RBI double in the second. From there, it was an efficient performance by Oakland’s staff. Grant Balfour pitched the ninth for his second save.
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