Daily Recap: 4/7/2014: Royals 4, Rays 2

The Kansas City Royals got their second look at their new acquisition of Jason Vargas yesterday as they faced the Tampa Bay Rays. Vargas, in his first start against the Tigers, went 7 innings and only allowed one run. He had signed a four-year, $32 million contract with the Royals back in November. For the Rays, Matt Moore was on the mound.

Plainly, Vargas was absolutely fantastic. After pitching a three-hitter over eight innings, Ned Yost let him get back out for the ninth. Vargas (1-0) gave up a leadoff home run to Ben Zobrist in the ninth, and was then removed from the game. The Royals' four runs of offense came on an Eric Hosmer RBI single, and a three-run double from Alcides Escobar. Nori Aoki led the team with two hits.

The Rays' Matt Moore (0-2) went 4 1/3 innings, but only allowed one run. His pitch count was not high; Moore had only 78 pitches. Regardless, Joe Maddon lifted him from the game. Evan Longoria had three hits to lead the Rays, Ben Zobrist homered, and Matt Joyce hit a RBI single to provide the offense for the Rays. They were unable to catch up following the Royals four consecutive runs.

Royals (3-3) 4, Rays (4-4) 2