The KC Royals minor leaguers helped the team come back and beat the LA Angels, 6-4. Prior to the four-run 9th inning, the biggest story may have been the two bee delays. Yes, bees and lots of them on the netting behind home plate. If you want to watch the replay of the game, MLB Network will be airing it Monday morning at 9am ET.
The Royals got on the board in the first on Eric Hosmer‘s two out, two-run home run. The lead did not last, as Christian Colon booted a ground ball hit by Erick Aybar with one out and runners at first and second base. That scored Albert Pujols from second base and a sac fly followed.
Edinson Volquez was the victim of the error, as he allowed three runs (one earned) on three hits over two innings in his Royals debut.
Prospect Christian Binford opened some more eyes over his two innings of work. He struck out two, including reigning American League MVP Mike Trout and catcher Drew Butera. Binford allowed one hit.
Fellow prospect Miguel Almonte got Trout’s revenge, a solo blast in the fifth. Almonte allowed two hits over his two innings of work.
Lefty Joe Paterson and right-handers Michael Mariot and Yohan Pino finished off the Angels with three hitless innings of relief. Paterson only faced one left-handed hitter and Pino struck out two.
That takes us to the Royals comeback.
DH Kendrys Morales continues to play everyday (and just about every inning) and led off the ninth with a single. Terrance Gore pinch ran, but was erased on a Moises Sierra fielder’s choice. JC Boscan followed with a single and was pinch run for by Lane Adams.
Orlando Calixte followed with a two-run triple to tie the game before Ryan Jackson drove him in with a single. Jackson stole second base with two outs and came around to score on Gabriel Noriega‘s single.
Other notes from the game:
- Bubba Starling actually made contact, but still has not collected a hit. He flied out to centerfield in both of his at-bats.
- Lorenzo Cain was back in the lineup and made a nice running catch early in the game. He also went 1-for-2 with a run scored (and was hit by a pitch).
- Morales was the lone Royal with a multi-hit game (2-for-4 with a double).
- The Royals collected 11 hits, but just three went for extra bases.
- The shortstop position collected three stolen bases in the game, one by starter Raul Mondesi and two by Jackson.
- Cam Gallagher saw his first big league spring training action when he caught Pino in the bottom of the ninth.
Next up for the Royals is a trip to Maryvale to play Milwaukee on Monday. Jason Vargas will make his 2015 Cactus League debut.
Drinking the Royals Blue Aid 