MLB Season Review: Oakland Athletics dominate Kansas City Royals 2-1 in three-game series
American League’s Oakland Athletics and Kansas City Royals went head-to-head in a thrilling three-game series. Athletics were amazing and did an outstanding job as they completed a 2-1 victory in the series after thrashing the Royals comfortably.
Let us capture an overview of these games and see how the Athletics dominated the Royals.
Game 1 – May 6: Oakland Athletics 3 – Kansas City Royals 2
Athletics managed a 3-2 win in the series starter, as Gio Gonzalez was impressive with his pitching. He had only six strike-outs with an ERA of 2.68 in the Athletics convincing victory. Speaking to reporters, Gonzalez said, “It was kind of awkward. Then
he told me, 'Hey, I used to watch you pitch in South Florida.' It was pretty exciting.”
Royals were able to score only two runs in the opening game. Sean O’Sullivan threw beautifully for the Royals but that was not adequate to secure a win for his team. He was unable to strike-out any batter on his 89 pitches and permitted five hits with three
earned runs.
Game 2 – May 7: Oakland Athletics 3 – Kansas City Royals 4
During the second game, Royals defeated the Athletics 4-3. Royals’ starter, Luke Hochevar threw the ball in good line as he pitched seven innings and surrendered just one run and four hits on his 94 pitches. Hochevar had three strike-outs with an ERA of
4.91.
Royals’ manager, Ned Yost said, “I think he's the fastest guy in baseball. I can't think of a faster guy, one. And two, he's got incredible instincts. You can be fast.”
Athletics struggled with the bat and were able to yield only three runs until the end of the game. Brandon McCarthy had a shaky day with the ball as he threw just over eight innings with an ERA of 3.26 and gave away seven hits and four runs with three strike-outs
on his 107 pitches.
Game 3 – May 8: Oakland Athletics 5 – Kansas City Royals 2
During the final game of the series, Royals lost 5-2. Athletics’ left-fielder Conor Jackson shined as he struck one RBI and went 3-for-5 with an average of .291. Athletics’ starter, Tyson Ross pitched just six innings and allowed three walks and six hits
including four strike-outs.
Ross said, “I did everything in my power to get over there. It was a foot race and I'm not too fast. I saw Kouz get the ball.”
Royals were able to contribute just two runs in the series climax and failed to take over the Athletics completely. Royals’ starter, Jeff Francis pitched just over six innings and gave away three runs, eight hits and two earned runs including two strike-outs
on his 106 pitches. However, a collective effort kept the Athletics on top against the struggling Royals throughout the series.
Tags: