The Kansas City Royals didn't get the second half started on the right note on Friday night, losing a marathon game to the Chicago White Sox. Nine pitchers later, the Royals fell to Chicago 9-8 in 14 innings.
The Royals led the White Sox 7-6 headed into the ninth inning, but potential trade bait Jon Broxton blew the save -- his fourth blown save of the year.A.J. Pierzynski singled home Kevin Youkilis in the ninth, tying the game at seven all. Broxton really struggled in his outing, giving up two hits and two walks in an inning, and was lucky only to allow one run.
It looked like the Royals were going to lose in the 12th inning, after Gordon Beckham doubled home Jordan Danks in the top half. KC's offense battled back, though. Alex Gordon grounded out, scoring Jeff Francoeur and knotting the game up at 8-8 after 12 innings.
Everett Teaford was unable keep Chicago's offense suppressed, though. In the 14th, Kevin Youkilis hit a sacrifice fly, scoring Gordon Beckham, and giving the White Sox a 9-8 lead -- a margin that they'd win by.
Teaford picked up the loss, allowing one run on three hits and a walk in two innings of work.
Kansas City's starter Bruce Chen did not factor into the decision. Chen surrendered six runs on nine hits and three walks in four and 2/3 innings of work.
With the bullpen throwing nearly 10 innings on Friday night, the Royals will hope from a strong effort from Luke Hochevar.
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