Young honors late father with stellar performance
Right-hander throws five hitless innings vs. Tribe after dad passes away
KANSAS CITY -- After throwing five hitless innings in his first start since July 28, Royals right-hander Chris Young was gone from Kauffman Stadium before the media could ask him about that impressive performance in Sunday's 3-0 win over the Indians.
Young left behind a statement which was read by Mike Swanson, the Royals' vice president of broadcasting and communications.
"Last night my dad, Charles Young, passed away at the age of 70," Young wrote. "Today, I had the opportunity to honor him, playing a game we both love alongside my baseball family. I felt him next to me with every pitch. I am grateful for the support of my teammates, coaches and the entire Royals' organization during this difficult time. Thank you for your thoughts and prayers."
Royals manager Ned Yost said Young received an initial call regarding his father around 8:30 on Saturday night. Despite his heavy heart, Young chose to make Sunday's start.
"Chris was adamant that he wanted to pitch today," Yost said. "To throw five innings of no-hit baseball was unbelievable."
Video: CLE@KC: Yost on outing from Young and bullpen
The only Cleveland baserunner against Young came in the fourth when Michael Brantley drew a two-out walk.
"Our hearts go out to him and his family," center fielder Lorenzo Cain said of Young. "Definitely an emotional game for him. For him to come out and pitch the way he did was definitely impressive."
First baseman Eric Hosmer echoed those sentiments.
"For him to even show up and give the effort he did today describes the type of person he is," Hosmer said.
Left-hander Danny Duffy followed Young in the sixth and kept the no-hitter going until the Indians finally got their first hit when Francisco Lindor beat out a bunt to lead off the seventh against Ryan Madson.
Video: CLE@KC: Lindor drops down bunt to break up no-hitter
"[Young] set the ultimate example on how to be a great teammate today," Duffy said. "Family is No. 1 to all of us in this clubhouse. Our thoughts and prayers will go out to him for quite some time."