Home Runs Hurt Cleveland Indians in 6-4 Loss to Kansas City Royals

The Indians lost the second of a four game series against the Royals, dropping Friday night’s game at Kauffman Stadium 6-4 as Kansas City powered their way past the Tribe. Josh Tomlin struggled, but also wasn’t helped by errors. He lasted just 5 1/3 innings, striking out five and allowing four runs — included three earned — on seven hits. Right-hander Yordano Ventura started for the Royals, and had a similar fate. Over 6 1/3 innings, he gave up six hits and a walk while striking out seven batters. He also gave up four runs, three of which were earned. The deciding blow came off of reliever John Axford, who gave up a two-run bomb that cost the team the game.

Jul 25, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Royals designated hitter Billy Butler (16) celebrates with catcher Salvador Perez (13) after hitting a 2 run home run in the eighth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Kauffman Stadium. Kansas City won the game 6-4. Mandatory Credit: John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Key Innings

Bottom of the 2nd, tied 0-0
Tomlin’s struggles with the long ball continued, as he gave up back-to-back solo shots to lead off the second inning. First Salvador Perez, then Mike Moustakas homered of the Tribe right-hander. Carlos Santana responded with a solo shot of his own in the fourth, but the Indians would never lead.

Top of the 6th, Indians trail 4-1
In the bottom of the fourth, Raul Ibanez hit an RBI triple and scored on an error, putting the Royals up by three. In the sixth, Santana again tried to keep the Tribe in the game, this time with a two-run home run to right field that also scored Michael Brantley.

Bottom of the 8th, tied 4-4
After Jason Kipnis tied the game with a sacrifice fly in the seventh inning, the Indians finally had a chance to win, but it was short-lived. After Carlos Carrasco allowed a single to Perez, Nick Hagadone came on and retired Moustakas. John Axford replaced Hagadone, and promptly gave up a two-run blast to Billy Butler. The Indians would not score again.

The Positives

Santana had a multi-homer game, going 2-for-3 with a walk. Since the All-Star break, he has been much more successful at the plate. Brantley also broke out of his slump, with a sixth-inning single. Jose Ramirez, despite going 0-for-2, walked and laid down a perfect sacrifice bunt that contributed to a run.

The Negatives

Kipnis made a throwing error that cost the team greatly. When Ibanez tripled in the fourth, the second baseman fired the ball to third and threw it straight into the camera bay instead, enabling Ibanez to score. Axford also continued to struggle, making it difficult for him to be a reliable part of the Tribe’s bullpen.

Check It Out

– Tomlin has allowed 16 home runs so far this season, compared to just ten walks.

– Santana is hitting .353/.463/.706 since the All-Star Break.

– Carrasco, who took the loss on Friday after his runner scored on Butler’s home run, had not allowed a run since June 22nd.