Johnny Cueto shuts out Tigers in Royals home debut

Johnny Cueto could not have scripted a better introduction to the Kansas City fans.
Cueto threw a four-hitter in his home debut as the Royals beat the Detroit Tigers 4-0 on Monday night.
Cueto (1-1) did not allow a runner past second base, struck out eight and walked none. It was his sixth career shutout and second this season.

"The crowd really gave me an extra boost," Cueto said with catching coach Pedro Grifol acting as his interpreter. "This is the most I've felt from a crowd; the intensity is by far the most.
"I felt really proud the fans were just feeding me that last little boost of energy I needed."
Cueto, who was acquired from Cincinnati on July 26 for three pitching prospects, received a loud cheer as he went out for his warmup pitches and the standing ovations grew after every scoreless inning as he walked to the dugout.


Cueto struck out Anthony Gose on three pitches to begin the game as the festive Kauffman Stadium crowd roared with approval. Sluggerr, the Royals' mascot, appeared wearing a Cueto-esque mane of dreadlocks.
When Cueto came out for the ninth, the Kauffman Stadium announced crowd of 36,672 rose in unison with a deafening roar that did not stop until long after he retired Victor Martinez on a fly ball to right fielder Alex Rios for the final out.