The Kansas City Royals dropped a 12-1 decision to the Athletics at Hohokam Stadium on Saturday in spring training play. Despite Daniel Vazquez's 1-for-2 with an RBI effort at the plate, the Royals could not overcome a sizable deficit. Ryan Bergert worked 3.2 innings on the mound, allowing 5 earned runs on 7 hits. The Athletics out-hit the Royals 15-2 on the day. Despite the result, the coaching staff gathered useful data on the current state of the roster. Spring training losses sting, but the information gained will inform decisions as Opening Day approaches.
Key Performers
Daniel Vazquez was the offensive highlight at the plate, going 1-for-2 with an RBI. His steady bat was exactly what the lineup needed. Performances like this give the Royals confidence that the lineup is rounding into form.
Elias Díaz also contributed, going 1-for-3 with a double. While there were individual bright spots, the lineup could not string hits together consistently.
On the other side of the diamond, Shea Langeliers led the Athletics offense with a 3-for-3 with three home runs and three RBI day. Nick Kurtz also contributed, going 1-for-3 with a home run and an RBI. Leo De Vries added a 2-for-2 with a double and two RBI effort as well. The Athletics offense proved to be too much for the Royals pitching staff to contain on this particular day.
On the Mound
Ryan Bergert took the loss after struggling with his command, working 3.2 innings while allowing 5 earned runs on 7 hits with four strikeouts. He threw 65 pitches in the outing. It was a useful learning experience as the Royals evaluate their pitching depth heading into the regular season.
The bullpen combined for 3.4 innings of work, allowing 7 earned runs while striking out two. Spring training gives the coaching staff a chance to evaluate bullpen depth, and today provided useful information about the current state of the bullpen. Each reliever is auditioning for a roster spot, and innings like these factor into those decisions.
Among the relievers, Nick Mears stood out with 1.1 innings of scoreless work, striking out two. His performance was one of the day's bright spots from the bullpen.
How It Happened
Athletics got on the board first with a run in the first inning. Athletics plated a run in the second. Athletics added a run in the third. Athletics tacked on two runs in the fourth. The Royals countered with a run in the seventh. Athletics struck back with two runs in the seventh. Athletics added five runs in the eighth. The Athletics were able to score in six separate innings, keeping the pressure on throughout the contest. Athletics out-hit the Royals 15-2, with both teams playing clean defense. A crowd of 7,020 was on hand to take in the action.
Looking Ahead
It was not the outcome the Royals were looking for, but spring training provides a forgiving environment to work through the rough patches. The focus remains on preparation and development, and the coaching staff will use today as a teaching opportunity. The regular season is right around the corner, and every game is a chance to improve.