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Duffy winning ingredient as Royals clip Blue Jays
- Updated: August 7, 2016
KANSAS CITY — It’s a simple formula: When Danny Duffy starts, the Royals generally win.
They won for the eighth straight time when Duffy starts — a 4-2 hard-earned win over the Blue Jays on Saturday night at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals now are 13-3 overall this season in Duffy’s starts.
Eric Hosmer delivered a go-ahead two-run single in the fifth.
The Blue Jays remained in a virtual tie with the Orioles atop the American League East.
Duffy threw 101 pitches, 65 for strikes, and he gave up five hits and two runs, while walking two and striking out six over 6 2/3 strong innings. Peter Moylan turned in 1 1/3 shutout innings, and closer Kelvin Herrera registered his fourth save.
“They’re a great team,” Duffy said. “It just seems as though they were on what’s been my best pitch for me this year, my changeup. They were staying on it like crazy.
“When I missed, they made me pay. Russell Martin probably hit about 1,000 feet worth of fly balls today. So they’re a real good hitting team. You got to really pick and choose your battles. When it’s time to bear down, you got to really bear down.”
Blue Jays starter Aaron Sanchez gave up nine hits and four runs in his six innings. He walked one and struck out three.
“I thought he threw a good ballgame,” Blue Jays manager John Gibbons said. “[The Royals] made some things happen. They really did.”
MOMENTS THAT MATTEREDClutch hit for Hoz: The Royals entered the game hitting .222 with two out and runners in scoring position. But Hosmer delivered a big two-run single in a three-run fifth inning. The Royals loaded the bases on singles by Alex Gordon, Paulo Orlando and Raul Mondesi, the last a bunt. Alcides Escobar’s infield hit scored a run, but Cheslor Cuthbert popped out and Lorenzo Cain grounded into a fielder’s choice, forcing Orlando at home. But Hosmer followed with a two-run single to right-center.
After losing seven of nine and three straight, Hosmer and the Royals finally got to shake hands again after a win.
“It’s a nice feeling,” Hosmer said. “It feels good to face a tough pitcher and get the win.”
Deja Blue: In Friday’s …
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