Kansas City Royals tag Minnesota Twins with 7 runs in win

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher James Shield allowed only 2 runs in 6 innings of work today against the Minnesota Twins, as the Royals went on to win the game 7-2.

Make that 9 games in a row for the Royals. Shields matched a season high with 5 walks, but the Twins failed to cash in on scoring opportunities. After going without a victory in nearly 2 months, Shields has now won 4 out of his last 7 outings.

He carries an ERA of 3.08 into his next start, against the Minnesota Twins next week.

Justin Maxwell made his Royals debut today, going 1-3 with an RBI single and a walk.

Maxwell who was acquired by the Royals from the Astros on Wednesday, made the start in right field.

Minnesota Twins pitcher Scott Diamond was tagged for 7 runs, 6 earned over 5 innings of work today. An ugly outing, Diamond gave up 9 hits and walked 3 batters (1 intentional) while striking out only 1. This is the 5th time that he has allowed 6 runs in a start this season. His ERA jumped up to a high 5.52.

Justin Morneau finished the game 2-4, with a solo home run and a double. Morneau just had 1 home run and 2 doubles over 12 games since the All-Star break. The Twins failed to trade him before Wednesday’s deadline, but there is still a very good chance that he could be moved this month during the waiver period.