Playing with heavy hearts, it all came down to one inning on Wednesday night in Baltimore, as the Orioles posted eight runs in the fourth inning on their way to a 9-2 victory over the Royals.
Luke Hochevar looked much like he has in many starts this season, putting together a solid outing, except for an inning or two were everything just seems to fall apart. For a perspective, Hochevar retired nine of the first 11 batters and was cruising along, until the 39-pitch fourth inning when he allowed three walks and eight runs. Ironically he ended the game retiring ten consecutive batters, while lead Royals manager Ned Yost nearly wordless in the locker room after the game when trying to explain Hochevar's start.
Hochevar did last seven innings as Yost didn't want to reach into the Royals bullpen early in the game. For the night he pitched seven innings, allowing seven earned runs on eight hits. He fell to 3-5, as the Royals fall to 22-26 overall. Baltimore improved to 23-24 with the win.
For Baltimore, starter Jake Arrieta lasted six innings, allowing two runs on five hits. He improved to 6-2.
The Royals two runs of the evening came benefit of a two-run home run in the fifth off the bat of Melky Cabrera. It was the sixth home run of the season for Cabrera who now has 29 RBI as well. He and Billy Butler both had two hits to lead Kansas City. The boxscore can be viewed here.
Jeff Francis (1-5 4.23 ERA) and the Royals look to bounce back tomorrow against Jeremy Guthrie (2-6 3.45 ERA) and the Orioles. The game begins at 11:35 CST. The game will not be televised by Fox Sports Kansas City tomorrow.