Paulo Orlando had just returned to the big leagues after being sent down to Triple-A, enjoying his second stint with the Kansas City Royals this season. Tuesday afternoon made it even more enjoyable, as Orlando hit a game-winning grand slam in the bottom of the ninth inning to give the Royals a 9-5 win over the Tampa Bay Rays in game one of a doubleheader.
The Ray's all-star reliever Brad Boxberger surrendered the game-winner after giving up one-out singles to Eric Hosmer and Alex Rios and walking Omar Infante. The loss dropped his record to 4-5 on the year. The grand slam was Orlando's second home run of his career.
The Rays tied the game at five in the top of the ninth, when Greg Holland surrendered a leadoff triple to Kevin Kiermaier, who scored on a wild pitch three batters later. The Royals' closer went on to record the win and run his record to 3-0.
Alex Gordon hit a solo home run and Kendrys Morales drove in two to help out the Royals' injury-plagued lineup. Outfielder Lorenzo Cain missed the game with an illness, third baseman Mike Moustakas was recently placed on the bereavement list, and catcher Salvador Perez had the day game off because he was scheduled to start the nightcap.
These two teams were forced to play two on Tuesday after a massive storm postponed the series opener on Monday night. The storm caused multiple tornado warnings, and the rain turned right field into a lake.
James Loney and Evan Longoria each homered for the Rays, who also fell in game two of the twin-bill 7-1. They have now lost nine of their past 10 games.
Both Chris Young and Matt Moore allowed four runs on the mound. Moore was making his second start since his return from Tommy John surgery.
Kansas City remains in first place in the American League Central, four and a half games ahead of the Minnesota Twins. The Rays fell to .500 on the season and are two and a half games back in the American League East. Game three of the series is Wednesday afternoon.
The Ray's all-star reliever Brad Boxberger surrendered the game-winner after giving up one-out singles to Eric Hosmer and Alex Rios and walking Omar Infante. The loss dropped his record to 4-5 on the year. The grand slam was Orlando's second home run of his career.
The Rays tied the game at five in the top of the ninth, when Greg Holland surrendered a leadoff triple to Kevin Kiermaier, who scored on a wild pitch three batters later. The Royals' closer went on to record the win and run his record to 3-0.
Alex Gordon hit a solo home run and Kendrys Morales drove in two to help out the Royals' injury-plagued lineup. Outfielder Lorenzo Cain missed the game with an illness, third baseman Mike Moustakas was recently placed on the bereavement list, and catcher Salvador Perez had the day game off because he was scheduled to start the nightcap.
These two teams were forced to play two on Tuesday after a massive storm postponed the series opener on Monday night. The storm caused multiple tornado warnings, and the rain turned right field into a lake.
James Loney and Evan Longoria each homered for the Rays, who also fell in game two of the twin-bill 7-1. They have now lost nine of their past 10 games.
Both Chris Young and Matt Moore allowed four runs on the mound. Moore was making his second start since his return from Tommy John surgery.
Kansas City remains in first place in the American League Central, four and a half games ahead of the Minnesota Twins. The Rays fell to .500 on the season and are two and a half games back in the American League East. Game three of the series is Wednesday afternoon.
