Patrick Sandoval’s seven strong innings help Angels blank Royals and stay streaking
Brandon Drury drove in two runs, Patrick Sandoval threw seven innings, and the Angels handed Kansas City its 10th straight loss, beating the Royals 3-0 on Friday night.
Kansas City, a big league-worst 18-51, is on its longest losing streak since it dropped 11 games in a row May 2-13, 2021. The Royals were held to four hits or fewer for the 15th time this season and shut out for the ninth.
The Angels (40-32) have won two straight games and 10 of 12. They took two of three at home against Seattle before winning three of four at American League West-leading Texas.
“It probably wasn’t our best game offensively and we made some mistakes on the bases, but overall I thought Sandy was great,” Angels manager Phil Nevin said. “Where we came from the last two series, you could have a letdown game. I thought we answered well.”
The Angels have played better recently, but an oblique strain to shortstop Zach Neto and a left pelvis fracture to infielder Gio Urshela will test the team’s depth once again.
Sandoval (4-6) didn’t retire the Royals in order until he struck out the side in the seventh. He gave up four hits and four walks, hit a batter and struck out six.
“I could do without the four walks,” Sandoval said. “I was satisfied to go seven, give our bullpen a rest and give us a chance to win.
“I had to find a way to get outs and get our team back in the dugout.”
Sam Bachman retired six straight batters for his first professional save.
Royals starter Brady Singer (4-6) yielded two runs and eight hits in 5 1/3 innings.
“He settled in really well,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said about Singer. “A little unfortunate there in the sixth, kind of broke his rhythm a bit, but overall he threw the ball well. Five and a third, two runs against that lineup is pretty solid.”
Shohei Ohtani laced a double down the left-field line in the first inning and went to third base on a wild pitch. After Mike Trout walked, Drury singled to drive in Ohtani and send Trout to third. The Royals avoided further trouble when Singer struck out Matt Thaiss and Drury was caught trying to steal.
Drury extended the lead in the sixth with an RBI double. Trout led off with a single. Drury followed with a line drive down the left-field line. Hunter Renfroe singled, ending Singer’s night.
The Angels added a run in the seventh when Jose Cuas hit his first batter and walked Thaiss with the bases loaded.
Trainer’s room
Angels: Third baseman Anthony Rendon was held out of the lineup because of soreness in his left wrist. He was hit by a pitch in the first inning Thursday in Texas. Though he stayed in the game, he did not swing. X-Rays were negative, and he’s listed as day to day.
Royals: Catcher Salvador Perez was not in the lineup after being hit by a pitch in the left hand Wednesday. X-Rays were negative, and Quatraro said Perez is likely to be back soon.
Transactions
Angels: Infielder Michael Stefanic was recalled from triple-A Salt Lake. In a corresponding move, first baseman Gio Urshela was put on the 10-day injured list because of a left pelvis fracture. Urschela had missed the previous four games with back soreness, but he fell down awkwardly Thursday at Texas. He was on crutches after the game, and X-rays revealed the fracture.
Royals: Infielder/outfielder Samad Taylor was recalled from triple-A Omaha. Taylor will make his major league debut when he appears for the Royals. He was a travel-ball teammate of Royals first baseman/outfielder Nick Pratto and Angels outfielder Mickey Moniak in Southern California.
Up next
Angels right-hander Griffin Canning (5-2, 4.56 ERA) is set to start Saturday against Royals right-hander Mike Mayers (1-2, 5.06).
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