Alcides Escobar is thrown out trying to score in the third. (photo/MLB)
James Shields allowed just two hits over seven innings as the Royals beat Detroit 3-0 on Wednesday night to take a one-game lead over the Tigers in the race for the AL Central. While there is still plenty of baseball left, including a three-game series in Kansas City that starts Sept. 19, KC is happy to leave the Motor City in first.
“It’s definitely a game that we needed, for sure, but I think every game from here on out is pretty crucial,” Shields said.
Kelvin Herrera pitched the eighth and Wade Davis finished for his third save. Davis’ ERA this season is 0.70.
Kansas City pushed across two runs in the fourth on RBI singles by Salvador Perez and Lorenzo Cain.
Alcides Escobar added a sacrifice fly in the ninth.