Anthony Swarzak’s pitching helps Minnesota Twins overpower Kansas City Royals, 8-2 – MLB Update
Minnesota Twins’ starter, Anthony Swarzak was impressive with the ball as he threw six dominant innings with an ERA of 3.43 in the Twins’ 8-2 victory over the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City on June 2.
The Twins clinched the first win of the four-game series against the Royals. Both teams started well as they posted one run on their score-card. Michael Cuddyer hit a grounder towards third base and Denard Span scored a single run for the Twins. However,
at the bottom of the first, Eric Hosmer posted a tie run on the double-run shot of Jeff Francoeur. The score-card was 1-1 at the end of the first inning.
During the second inning, no run was contributed from any batter. The Twins exploded six runs in the third inning and got a 7-1 lead. Cuddyer doubled to left-field, Alexi Casilla added one run and Justin Morneau occupied third base. The second run was taken
by Morneau on the drive of Danny Valencia at first base.
Valencia, Delmon Young, Rene Rivera and Matt Tolbert each contributed the last four runs during the third inning to complete a six-run campaign. The batters failed to score runs in the fourth inning as the pitchers threw the ball in perfect line. The Royals
were able to add their second and final run of the game during the fifth inning to cut their shortfall 7-2 when Francoeur doubled to deep left and Melky Cabrera scored a single run.
The sixth inning passed with no score from either side. However, in the seventh inning, the Twins took an 8-2 lead on the single of Young when Ben Revere doubled to centre-field. No score was contributed in the last two innings of the game.
Swarzak pitched superbly as he gave just two runs on seven hits including two earned runs. He struck-out only one batter and allowed two walks on his 99 pitches. He commented on his game and said, "I just want to pitch. Pitching is great. After spending
all of last year in Triple-A that humbled me a little bit. I just want the ball. I don't care when it is or where it is. I've just got to get outs.”
On the other side, the Royals’ starter Sean O’Sullivan was expensive as he permitted seven runs on eight hits in two inning pitches.
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