AL Central Notes
With another week in the books, we take a look around the American League Central with this weeks version of Southside Showdown’s AL Central Notes.
Kansas City Royals (9-4)
The Royals were able to take three of four from the Houston Astros last week on the road, but faltered in their series against the Oakland Athletics. Kansas City lost its first series of the season against the Athletics. The Royals returned to Kauffman Stadium however still in first place, as they took advantage being idle and a White Sox loss on Monday.
Kansas City defeated AL Central rival Detroit Tigers 8-6 on Tuesday. The Royals scored all 8 of their runs with two outs, including a 3-run home run by Salvador Perez. Yordano Ventura pitched five innings against the Tigers and gave up two earned runs. The Royals bullpen allowed six runs after Ventrua’s departure, but closer Wade Davis was able to earn his sixth save of the season.
Chicago White Sox (9-5)
The White Sox had their first losing streak of the season snapped at three games with a 5-0 victory over the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on Tuesday. The White Sox were coming off a series loss to the Tampa Bay Rays over the weekend, and a 7-0 loss to the Angels on Monday.
White Sox starter Carlos Rodon lasted just 1/3 of an inning on Monday, and gave up five earned runs while walking two batters. The White Sox bullpen had to cover the remaining 8 2/3 innings of the game, and they would need a rest for Tuesday’s game.
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Mat Latos was able to provide the bullpen rest with another stellar outing against the Angels in a 5-0 victory. In his third consecutive quality start with the team, Latos no-hit the Angels for 4 1/3 innings and ended his night allowing no earned runs. In three starts this season, Latos has only given up one earned run. Todd Frazier, and Jose Abreu hit two solo home runs on Tuesday.
Detroit Tigers (7-5)
The Tigers were able to win three games out of four played against the Pittsburgh Pirates last week. Detroit’s offense was on a roll after its series against the Pirates, but they weren’t able to carry any momentum into their series against the Houston Astros, as they lost two out of three games.
In their game against the defending World Champion Royals, starting pitcher Shane Greene was unable to last more than four innings as he gave up seven earned runs. The Tigers mounted a comeback against the Royals, with catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia hitting a three-run home run in the seventh inning to cut the Tigers deficit to 8-6. Detroit would not get any closer and moved 1 1/2 games behind first place.
Cleveland Indians (6-5)
The Indians coming off of a series loss at home over the weekend to the New York Mets, defeated the Seattle Mariners at home on Tuesday 3-2. Cleveland shortstop Francisco Lindor went 3-for-3 with a double, and Mike Napoli added an RBI single. Carlos Carrasco pitched 6 1/3 innings with five strikeouts and one earned run. The Indians pitching gave up six runs in two losses to the Mets in its previous series.
Minnesota Twins (4-10)
After opening the season at 0-9, the Twins swept the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim at home over the weekend. Minnesota defeated the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday 7-4 in a six inning game shortened by rain. The Twins were able to mount a comeback from a 5-2 deficit in the eight inning with three runs, and tying the game 5-5. The Brewers however scored a run in the ninth inning on a Scooter Gennett RBI single to earn a 6-5 victory, and ending the Twins four game winning streak.
The Twins took another loss on Tuesday when they placed third baseman Trevor Plouffe on the 15-day disabled list. Plouffe is on the disabled list with a right intercostal strain.