The Kansas City Royals continue to play the role of spoiler as Bruce Chen throws a two hit complete game shut out and the Royals beat up on Tampa Bay Rays last night, 7-0. The loss drops the Rays a half game out of first place in the American League East.
Chen would throw a total of 104 pitches, as the Rays had absolutely no answer. He would strike out seven while only
walking two. The shut out would be the first of the season for Chen, who now leads the Royals rotation in wins with 12.
Kansas City would get all seven of their runs in the first six innings. And they would all come off of Rays’ starter James Shields. The Royals would get those runs courtesy of 12 hits. Gregor Blanco would do the most damage at the plate as he would go two for five, with three RBI’s.
Tampa, who is headed to the post season, still does not whether they will be the AL East Champs or the Wild Card winners. Last night’s loss drops them behind the New York Yankees for the AL East lead. The Yankees did not play last night due to rain, and will play a doubleheader today in Boston against the Red Sox.
The Royals and Rays will play game three of their four game series tonight with Kyle Davies getting the start for KC. The Rays will start Andy Sonnanstine.
Game time at Kauffman Stadium is 6:10.
