Cleveland Indians defeat Kansas City Royals 7-3 – MLB Update
Cleveland Indians put in a good performance as they defeated Kansas City Royals 7-3 at Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City on Monday, April 18.
In the 10th inning, an RBI double that gained four runs for the Indians and eventually led to victory was hit by Shelley Duncan.
Duncan’s pinch hit RBI broke the 3-3 tie in the tenth innings. This marked the fourth straight victory for the Indians and marked a two game lead over the Royals in the American League Central.
Both teams have been in the bottom of the division for quite a few years and not much was expected out of them. Obviously that is not case this year as the Indians had their best start this season since 1999. They stand proudly with ten wins and four losses.
A knee surgery had sidelined All Star Grady Sizemore since May of last year. However, he showed very little signs of being rusty or out of practice as he stepped out on the field. Sizemore also had a RBI single and finished off with three hits after he went
2-for-4 along with a home-run on Sunday.
"One of the reasons I came here was to enjoy watching this guy from the dugout," Indians manager Manny Acta told reporters of Sizemore. "It's nice to have him back."
The Royals scored a run in the second inning and added two more in the sixth inning as they took a 3-2 lead over Cleveland. A run was scored by Billy Butler for Kansas City.
Matt LaPorta, the infielder for the Indians had a RBI single in the seventh innings and tied the game at a score of 3-3. Both teams were relying heavily on their respective bull-pens to head into extra innings.
Carlos Carrasco, the starter for the Indians pitched six and one-third no decision innings. After throwing one and one-third scoreless innings, reliever Joe Smith recorded the win. Justin Germano got the final three batters out.
"I've been here 2009, 2010 and we haven't been battling for first place," Smith said. "We're off to a hot start, playing the team right behind us in our division. Now's the time to really gain some ground."
Tim Collins from the Royals side allowed four runs in the tenth innings, which played a considerable part in the loss for Kansas City. In the end, the Indians took a comfortable 7-3 win against the Royals.
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