Kansas City Royals starter Jeremy Guthrie was pitching a no-hitter against the Chicago White Sox through 6.2 innings at Kauffman Stadium until a debatable call that was ruled a hit broke up the bid. Guthrie has been dazzling during the Sunday matinee series finale, holding the first-place Sox hitless through six and issuing just one walk.
The no-hitter was broken up by Paul Konerko on a questionable call by the scorekeeper against Guthrie. Konerko sent one to shortstop Alcides Escobar, who threw low to first. The slow-footed Konerko was nowhere near the bag when the misfired throw arrived, but it was still ruled a hit. After some debate, the initial ruling stood.
Guthrie was perfect through the first 4.2 innings before A.J. Pierzynski worked a 2-2 count into a walk for the first Chicago baserunner of the game. Guthrie had only struck out two batters entering the seventh, but he appeared to pick up steam with the no-hitter implications. He reached back and added a little extra, striking out the side in the seventh.
Jose Quintana had countered Guthrie through the first five innings until a KC rally in the sixth spotted the Royals starter a two-run cushion. After a Lorenzo Cain single and Alcides Escobar walk started the inning, catcher Salvador Perez doubled home both to break the scoreless tie.
Guthrie, who was acquired by the Royals in a deal with the Rockies at the end of July, was just seven outs away from completing the fifth no-hitter in Royals history.
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