I’m never one to make excuses for bad calls as reasons a team lost a game. The Royals just simply didn’t hit last night as they continue to go through a rough patch offensively. Carlos Carrasco held the Royals to five hits and two walks over seven innings while striking out eight. He kept the score 1-1, until the eighth when a blown call at first and an upheld replay call gave Cleveland another chance they were able to take advantage of for a 2-1 win.
The Royals have lost six of their last seven and in five of those have only been able to score one run. The only run on Carrasco came on a single by Mike Moustakas, a wild pitch, a ground out and a single by Eric Hosmer that scored Moose from third. After that, the Royals managed just one more hit over the final six innings. That’s not going to get it done.
Jeremy Guthrie who has struggled against the Indians for his career, kept his team in the game, his only run came on a solo homer in the fourth. It was the eighth inning that hurt the Royals when a call was missed not once, but twice. So blatant an out that even the Cleveland broadcasters knew there should have been a double play called in the Royals favor.
Wade Davis entered the eighth and walked Michael Bourn to lead off the inning. Jose Ramirez appeared to ground into a double play, but first base umpire Bob Davidson ruled Ramirez had beaten the relay throw. Royals manager Ned Yost challenged the call, and after a review of nearly 3 minutes, the call stood. Ramirez was safe at first base with just one out in the inning.
Yost on the explanation he received
Jason Kipnis grounded into a fielder’s choice after second baseman Omar Infante bobbled the ball for what could have been another potential double play. After a walk, Michael Brantley ripped is go-ahead single to center field. It was the first run Davis had yielded this season.
Again, not making excuses, it’s a play Infante makes according to Yost “99 out of 100 times,” and leadoff walks kill. A leadoff walk eventually cost the Royals in Sunday’s game at Chicago.
This is where opponents of replay will argue. Here is clear evidence the call was incorrect, yet it takes replay officials a lengthy look to uphold the call that seems pretty obvious.