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Royals look to continue best start in 12 years

Apr 12, 2015 - 2:25 PM (SportsNetwork.com) - Left-hander C.J. Wilson tries to follow up a tremendous effort his last time out and slow down the red-hot Kansas City Royals in the process, as the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim hope to avoid a three-game sweep at the hands of the defending American League champions.

After his worst season as a starter, Wilson was brilliant in his season debut on Tuesday in Seattle, as he scattered two hits over eight scoreless innings. He had pitched to a 4.51 ERA in 2014.

"It was good enough," Wilson said. "I'll take it."

Wilson has won all four of his decisions against the Royals and has pitched to a 3.18 ERA in seven starts against them.

Now, he'll be tasked with shutting down a Royals team that is off to their best start in 12 years. Kansas City continued to roll on Saturday, as Mike Moustakas and Salvador Perez homered during a five-run fourth inning and Jeremy Guthrie was strong on the mound to help the Royals to a 6-4 win.

Alex Rios recorded a two-run single for the Royals, who are 5-0 for only the second time, just behind a 9-0 start in 2003.

Guthrie (1-0), who took the loss in Game 7 of the World Series against the Giants, gave up six hits and four runs over seven innings. Wade Davis and Greg Holland each pitched a perfect inning with Holland recording his third save of 2015. Kansas City's bullpen has yet to allow a run this season.

"We're pitching well, our bullpen has been dynamite," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "Our defense has been spectacular. It was again tonight."

Jered Weaver (0-2) surrendered seven hits and six runs over 4 1/3 innings for the Angels, who received a homer and three RBI from Kole Calhoun.

"He's going to be fine," Calhoun said of Weaver. "That's our horse. That guy goes out and battles for us every time. I don't think anybody in the clubhouse is going to worry about him, he'll be fine."

Getting the call for the Royals will be 23-year-old righty Yordano Ventura, who pitched well on Opening Day, but left the game in the seventh inning with a thumb injury.

Ventura surrendered a run and four hits over six innings, but fell to the ground in the seventh and was writhing in pain.

"I don't know. Maybe dehydration?" Royals manager Ned Yost said. "I know I get them sometimes when I'm driving my tractor on the farm for a long time -- my thumb will do the same thing. It probably has to do with not taking a lot of fluids.

"But he's fine now."