Escobar matched a career high for hits and the Angels collected 22 overall, equaling their season best. “He was very impressive”. Escobar singled on Gee’s first pitch and scored on Calhoun’s double into the left field corner on Gee’s third pitch.
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Matt Shoemaker, who did not allow a base runner until the fifth inning, yielded singles to Alex Gordon and Paulo Orlando to start the seventh. He also had a sacrifice fly in the sixth and another run-scoring grounder in the ninth.
The Angels manager argued to home plate umpire Phil Cuzzi that Mondesi ran inside the first-base line, impeding Shoemaker’s throw and invalidating everything else that happened afterward. After Chien-Ming Wang retired only one of his eight batters and four scored, manager Ned Yost brought in Butera for his second pitching appearance of the season.
The Royals mustered just three hits in the game and went 0-2 with runners in scoring position. “By that time it was too late”.
The Royals have lost 14 of 20 July games to fall two games below.500.
Escobar finished with his fourth five-hit game, his first since June 18, 2015. Mondesi, who was called up Tuesday, put down a bunt and beat the throw to first as the throw by Shoemaker (5-11) sailed into right field. Mondesi, who hit.400 in his last nine games with the Storm Chasers, made his big league debut in the 2015 World Series as a pinch hitter. He has won his past five decisions and is 3-0 with a 3.70 ERA at home. He served a 50-game suspension this season for testing positive for a banned substance. Royals OF Lorenzo Cain, who is on the disabled list with a strained left hamstring, ran and took batting practice. Merrifield hit.317 in his first 34 games, but only.169 in his last 19 games, including going 1 for 17 after the All-Star break.
The Angels designated outfielder Todd Cunningham for assignment to make room for Skaggs.
Angels: RHP Nick Tropeano, who has been diagnosed with a medium to high grade UCL right elbow tear, traveled to NY for a second opinion from Dr. David Altchek. The Angels are discussing options with Tropeano, who went to NY for the second opinion. Here is the video of that play and the ensuing debate between Mike Scioscia and the umpires. “We’ll monitor it day to day and see how he’s feeling”, Yost said. “Soon as feels like he’s good to go, he’ll be back”.
Shoemaker started the game with the dominating stuff he has showcased for two months now, and Royals left-hander Danny Duffy was similarly sharp.
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The Angels and Royals have a mutual off day August 8, amid a Kansas City homestand, and a travel day for the Angels between Seattle and Chicago. “Salvy’s big two-run homer was nice, cut the deficit to two, but we just couldn’t do anything after that”.
