Will Smith endures shortest outing of season in Royals' loss to Indians

Kansas City starter Will Smith gave up nine hits and six earned runs to the Cleveland Indians on Friday night in the rookie left-hander's shortest start of the season.

After giving up four runs in the first three innings, Smith was unable to get an out in the fourth inning as the Tribe extended their lead. Center fielder Ezequiel Carrera led off the inning with a single and then right fielder Shin-Soo Choo knocked out Smith with a run-scoring double.

Everett Teaford relieved Smith and eventually allowed Choo to score to close the book on Smith's rough outing as the Royals continue to stagger towards the end of the season, losing their last six games.

The Kansas City rookie should get one more start to finish the season on a positive note. With a 6-9 record on the season, Smith has been up and down in his last four starts including the poor outing on Friday. Smith also pitched seven innings in two wins over Cleveland and Minnesota in September, giving up just two runs in both games combined.