The KC Royals keep on winning, as they beat visiting Seattle, 4-2. They scored two runs in the fourth and single runs in the sixth and seventh innings.

The Royals picked up nine hits from nine different players. Four of those hits went for extra bases, with Elliott Johnson picking up a triple.

Ervin Santana allowed a run in the 3rd inning on Carlos Triunfel’s solo homerun. Overall he only allowed that run on two hits over four innings. He struck out seven. Everett Teaford pitched a perfect fifth before Nate Adcock allowed a run in his one inning of work to earn both the blown save and the win.

Donnie Joseph followed with a perfect inning before Dan Wheeler struck out the side in the 8th inning. Aaron Crow finished off the Mariners in the ninth.

*It was announced that Luke Hochevar is no longer in the running for the fifth starter’s spot. I am hardly shocked. Bruce Chen and Luis Mendoza continue to battle, as both pitch this weekend. The interesting candidates who have thrown their names in are lefty Will Smith and prospect Yordano Ventura. Smith has been great and will pitch Friday’s afternoon game (I will be there in Surprise). Unfortunately, I will miss Ventura‘s start at night. I know Ventura has impressed just about everyone, but he’s just not ready. I saw him last year. He still needs some seasoning.

Wade Davis will pitch in a minor league game on Friday that I am hoping to check out and James Shields will pitch again on Sunday in a minor league game too. Jeremy Guthrie will start on Thursday in Goodyear against the Cleveland Indians and Zach McAllister (I’ll be there sweating my butt off).

**Shortstop Alcides Escobar sat out for the second straight day with a stiff back. Everyone hopes he is back in the lineup on Thursday.