Skaggs helps Angels beat Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. >> The Los Angeles Angels provided plenty of run support for Tyler Skaggs in his return to the majors.

Way more than he needed.

Skaggs pitched seven innings in his first big league start in two years and Yunel Escobar went 5 for 5 to help the Angels pound the Kansas City Royals 13-0 on Tuesday night.

Kole Calhoun drove in four runs and Carlos Perez had four hits, including a home run. Mike Trout drove in three runs, and Johnny Giavotella had three hits and scored three times.

Escobar matched a career high for hits and the Angels collected 22 overall, equaling their season best.

Addressing what he thought was the best part of the night, Angels manager Mike Scioscia said: “There’s no doubt watching Tyler go out there and, once he got his feet on the ground, bringing all his pitches into the game. He had a good crisp fastball, good changeup, good curveball. He mixed his pitches up well.”

The 25-year-old Skaggs allowed three singles, struck out five and walked one.

“I was definitely nervous, my first time on a big league mound in two years,” Skaggs said. “I just wanted to get that first batter out of the way. I started relaxing after that.”

The left-hander, who had elbow surgery in August 2014, had his fastball clocked in the 91-95 mph range.

“He just did a fantastic job,” Royals manager Ned Yost said. “He was very impressive. That’s pretty good stuff he featured out there tonight.”

Calhoun doubled home Escobar in the first inning. The Royals have been outscored 73-51 in the first inning after allowing only 68 first-inning runs last year.

Calhoun drove in another run in the fourth with a groundout. He also had a sacrifice fly in the sixth and another run-scoring grounder in the ninth.

Perez led off the sixth with his fifth homer.

Royals right-hander Dillon Gee (3-4) was charged with five runs and 10 hits in five-plus innings.

The Angels sent 13 men to the plate in a seven-run ninth. Reserve catcher Drew Butera got the final out in his second pitching appearance of the season.

“Anytime I have to come in and pitch, it’s never a fun time,” Butera said. “It’s an unfortunate situation. I hope this is the last time in my career.”

The Royals have dropped six of seven to fall three games below .500 for the first time this season.

MONDESI CALLED UP

Raul Mondesi, the first player to make his major league debut in the World Series, was called up and inserted into Kansas City’s lineup at second base. He went 0 for 3 and committed an error on the first ball hit to him in the first inning.

Mondesi, who turns 21 on Wednesday, struck out as a pinch hitter in Game 3 of the World Series against the New York Mets.

Mondesi hit .400 in his final nine games with Triple-A Omaha with seven RBIs and five stolen bases. He began the season with Double-A Northwest Arkansas, but was suspended for 50 games in May for testing positive for a banned substance.

The Royals optioned utilityman Whit Merrifield to Omaha. Merrifield hit .317 in his first 34 games, but only .169 in his last 19 games, including going 1 for 17 after the All-Star break.

CUNNINGHAM CUT

The Angels designated outfielder Todd Cunningham for assignment to make room for Skaggs. Cunningham hit .148 with one RBI in 20 games.

TRAINER’S ROOM

Angels: Dr. David Altchek confirmed the initial diagnosis of RHP Nick Tropeano’s ligament tear in his right elbow. The Angels are discussing options with Tropeano, who went to New York for the second opinion.

Royals: OF Lorenzo Cain (left hamstring strain) will play his first rehab game Thursday with Triple-A Omaha. “We’ll monitor it day to day and see how he’s feeling,” Yost said. “Soon as feels like he’s good to go, he’ll be back.”

UP NEXT

Angels: RHP Matt Shoemaker starts for Los Angeles on Wednesday. He has allowed two or fewer runs in seven starts without getting a win.

Royals: LHP Danny Duffy goes for Kansas City. He has won his past five decisions and is 3-0 with a 3.70 ERA at home.