Field Level Media
May 6, 2021
Triston McKenzie threw five-plus scoreless innings as the Cleveland Indians defeated the host Kansas City Royals 4-0 Thursday afternoon to complete a sweep of the four-game series.
Cesar Hernandez and Rene Rivera each had three hits for Cleveland.
Franmil Reyes, who is now hitting .538 (14-of-26) with six doubles and six RBIs in seven career games in Kauffman Stadium, hit his second home run in Kansas City, his eighth of the season.
The Royals have lost five straight games after coming into the series with the best record in baseball.
The Indians got single runs in the second, fifth, sixth and eighth innings.
The Royals never mounted much of a threat on offense. They only had two baserunners beyond second base, and both got there with two outs.
McKenzie (1-1), who only lasted two innings (allowing five runs) in his last start, rebounded well. He gave up only two hits and no runs in five-plus innings. He struggled with his control, walking four and striking out five.
Danny Duffy (4-2) took the loss for Kansas City. He was solid but got no support. He allowed three runs on eight hits, striking out six and walking one. His ERA rose to 1.26 for the season. It's the first time this season Duffy's ERA has been above 1.00.
The Indians scored first in the second inning. Duffy gave up a leadoff double, just like he did in the first, but this time the Indians cashed in the chance. Amed Rosario's single drove in Harold Ramirez from second.
It was the first earned run Duffy has allowed this season not to come via a solo home run.
The Indians added a run in the fifth. Jordan Luplow hit the third of three straight soft singles with two outs, driving in Rivera.
The Indians then chased Duffy with another run in the sixth. Duffy walked Reyes to lead off the inning. With two outs, Rosario tripled in the gap in left center, scoring Reyes.
The Indians got their last run on Reyes' home run in the 8th.
--Field Level Media