Despite success against the ChiSox last season, Royals starter Bruce Chen got hammered by Chicago in a split squad game Thursday afternoon, giving up 10 runs (three homers) and 10 hits in 4 and 1/3 innings in a 16-4 rout. Chen had only seven earned runs against Chicago in 33 and 1/3 innings last season. Courtesy of the Royals official site:
"I don't know what to say," Chen said. "I mean, it was a tough first inning and last inning. I tried to make some adjustments. I really think my pitches are coming real good out of my hand. I just have to keep working. I'm not going to give in. I'm not going to make too much out of this."
Luke Hochevar looks for a much different result Friday afternoon against the Dodgers at 3:05 p.m. CT at Surprise Stadium. Hochevar looks to be on pace to become the Royals' opening day starter for a second consecutive year, although an official announcement is still pending.
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