McKenzie, Naquin propel Indians to 5-0 win over Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Triston McKenzie tossed six innings of three-hit ball to celebrate his 23rd birthday, Tyler Naquin hit a pair of homers for the only runs of the game, and the Cleveland Indians beat the Kansas City Royals 5-0 on Wednesday night.

McKenzie (2-0) needed just 81 pitches thanks to six strikeouts, no walks and some slick defense behind him. His bullpen went the rest of the way, holding the Royals without a hit over the final three innings.

“I mean, the nerves are definitely still there beforehand. I don't think that's ever going to go away,” McKenzie said, “but I'm going out there and feeling more comfortable in terms of treating it like a learning experience.”

Naquin's first homer was a two-run shot off Jakob Junis (0-1) in the second inning. Naquin then provided his relievers with some much-needed breathing room by adding a three-run homer off Scott Barlow in the ninth.

“He was unbelievable. His swing is the best I've seen it,” Indians interim manager Sandy Alomar Jr. said. “He did the work this offseason. He kind of restructured his swing a little bit — he’s been more efficient with his swing. Pretty good.”

The result was the fifth consecutive loss in a series-deciding game for the Royals, and their 10th straight defeat in rubber games involving Cleveland. In fact, Kansas City has won just three of its last 35 games to decide a series.

“A couple balls we did hit hard just seemed to be at people,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “Just couldn’t put the hits together.”

McKenzie had a lot to do with it Wednesday night. The youngster, who missed all of last season with injuries, retired the first 10 batters he faced. And when he ran into the slightest bit of trouble, his defense was there to help.

The first time came...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/McKenzie-Naquin-propel-Indians-to-5-0-win-over-15539190.php