Josh Staumont and Mike Mayers came within six outs of the first combined perfect game in major league history before Nolan Arenado lined a leadoff single in the eighth inning of the Kansas City Royals‘ 7-0 win over the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday.
Staumont,, a 29-year-old right-hander, served as the opener in a planned bullpen game for the Royals. He made his first major league start in his 167th appearance and struck out two in a 1-2-3 inning, throwing 14 pitches.
Mayers, a 31-year-old left-hander, made his third appearance for the Royals this season after eight starts at Triple-A Omaha. He retired 18 consecutive batters before Arenado lined a 1-0 slider to left on his 72nd pitch. Willson Contreras followed with a single to center that stopped an 0 for 27 slide.
Amir Garrett pitched a perfect ninth to finish a two-hitter and Kansas City’s second shutout this year.
Nicky Lopez matched his career high with four hits, and Nick Pratto and Vinnie Pasquantino had three each. Mike Massey hit a two-run homer and Bobby Witt Jr. added a solo homer.
Adam Wainwright (2-1) allowed three runs and nine hits in five innings for the Cardinals.
RHP Zack Greinke (1-5, 4.55) starts Tuesday for the Royals and RHP Miles Mikolas (3-1, 4.23) for the Cardinals, 5:50 with the pregame and the first pitch at 6:45 on KIRX.
OF Dylan Carlson (left ankle sprain) has been taking swings from the right side. On Monday, he took swings left-handed. Once he is comfortable, he will have short rehab stint in the minors.