Field Level Media
May 12, 2019
Cole Irvin tossed seven strong innings in his major league debut and the visiting Philadelphia Phillies scored six runs in the fifth in Sunday's 6-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals.
J.T. Realmuto ripped a two-run double and Odubel Herrera had a two-run single among his two hits to highlight the big inning for the Phillies, who won for the 10th time in their last 14 games.
Alex Gordon had an RBI single in the third inning for the Royals, who were thwarted in their bid to record a series win for the first time since posting a three-game sweep against Cleveland from April 12-14.
With his mother in attendance, Irvin (1-0) allowed one run on five hits while recording three of his five strikeouts in the second inning. The 25-year-old left-hander was recalled from Triple-A Lehigh Valley to take the place of right-hander Vince Velasquez, who was placed on the 10-day injured list Saturday with a right forearm strain.
Philadelphia mustered just two hits over four scoreless innings before igniting its offense in the fifth, with a generous assist from Kansas City. Starter Jakob Junis (3-4) issued three walks and shortstop Adalberto Mondesi committed a costly error with one out to allow Nick Williams to reach base and open the door for a big inning.
Williams came around to score on Jean Segura's RBI single to center field and Rhys Hoskins walked with the bases loaded to give the Phillies a 2-1 lead. Realmuto then deposited a first-pitch fastball from Junis into right field to plate two runs and Herrera helped Philadelphia tack on two more with a single to right-center.
Kansas City opened the scoring in the third inning after Gordon's single to left plated Cam Gallagher. The run nearly didn't count as Billy Hamilton initially was called out on a play at third prior to the run being scored. The Royals successfully challenged the play, with replays showing Hamilton beat the tag by third baseman Maikel Franco.
--Field Level Media