The former University of Central Missouri pitcher Josh Outman picks up his first win in 16 outings for the A's as he went seven innings allowing just four hits and no runs. It was the longest start of his career that resulted in a shut-out.
His counterpart on the mound, Luke Hochevar had a no-hitter going for the Royals until the 6th inning when a Landon Powell single broke up the no-hit bid and started the inning for the A's. Just a few batters later Cliff Pennington hit a RBI-single that gave the A's the 1-0 lead.
The Royals had a chance in the top of the 7th inning with runners at first and third base but Outman got Mike Moustakas to pop out to the third baseman to end the inning for the Royals. Wednesday night also broke Moustakas' streak of hitting safely in his first four major league games.
Daric Barton added another RBI single for the A's in the bottom of the 7th inning to extend the A's lead to 2-0 at that point. It wasn't until the top of the 8th inning that the Royals got on the board as Alcides Escobar continued his hot-hitting from the first game of their series as he laced a double with one out to get something started for the Royals. He then proceeded to steal third base so Alex Gordon's infield hit resulted in a run for the Royals and split the difference as they trailed 2-1.
Escobar finished the day going 3-3 with a run scored. In his last two games Escobar is 6-8 with two runs scored and two RBI's. This is a welcomed site from the slick-fielding shortstop that has been criticized for his lack of production at the plate since coming over in the Zack Greinke trade from Milwaukee.
The Royals spolied a solid effort on the mound from Luke Hochevar as he went seven innings giving up two runs on five hits. Hochevar has gone at least six innings in nine of his last ten starts.
Oakland Athletics teammates Landon Powell (South Carolina) and Cliff Pennington (Texas A&M) will have a special eye on their Alma Mater's this weekend as the Gamecocks and Aggies face each other in the first round of games at the College World Series in Omaha, Nebraska on Sunday night at 7pm ET on ESPN2.
The Royals and A's will play the rubber match of this series on Thursday afternoon with first pitch scheduled for 3:35 ET. The Royals send Jeff Francis (3-6) to hill against Gio Gonzalez (5-5) for the A's.