KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The St. Louis Cardinals held off the Kansas City Royals 11-8 on Sunday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium, completing a three-game series sweep in part two of the I-70 series.
After losing last weekend’s series in a 15 inning Father’s Day thriller at Busch Stadium, the Redbirds most certainly got their revenge this weekend in KC.
Cardinals designated hitter Carlos Beltran smashed a three-run home run in the top of the first inning to set the tone for another sizzling hot day of offense at the K.
Third baseman Mike Moustakas answered with a two-run HR in the bottom of the first, cutting the Cards’ lead to 3-2. Moose went yard again in the fourth for his 12th HR of the year.
Starter Jonathan Sanchez (1-3, 6.21 ERA) had a tough time throwing strikes, issuing six walks to go along with three strikeouts. He gave up six runs on four hits in 5 2/3 innings.
The Royals (31-39, 11-23 home) tied the game in the fourth and sixth innings, but they could never get over the hump.
In the eighth, a four-run rally put the Cardinals (38-35, 21-19 away) up 11-6.
First baseman Billy Butler hit his 14th HR of the year in the bottom of the ninth, a two-run blast to center field, but the damage was already done.
The Royals outhit the Cardinals 14 to 8, and posted four HR’s. Right fielder Jeff Francoeur hit a solo HR in the fourth inning, his 6th of the year.
KC’s pitching staff issued a total of 9 walks on Sunday, and St. Louis took advantage. The Redbirds went 5 for 7 with runners in scoring position. The Royals were 1 for 8 with RISP.
In this series, the Cards outscored the Royals by a combined margin of 30-14.
The Tampa Bay Rays visit Kauffman Stadium for a three-game series on Monday. Right-handed pitcher Luke Hochevar (4-7, 5.65 ERA) takes the bump against Rays RHP Alex Cobb (3-3, 3.82 ERA).
