The KC Royals knocked out Pittsburgh Pirates starter James McDonald (he of the second best ERA in baseball) after just four innings, but the problem was, Royals starter Vin Mazzaro did not make it out of the 4th inning. The Royals lost 5-3.

Yuniesky Betancourt hit a two-run homerun in the top of the 3rd inning that gave the Royals a 2-0 lead. They added another run in the top of the 4th inning on Mazzaro‘s RBI two out RBI single.

Then the wheels fell off for Mazzaro. It started off with a leadoff walk to Pedro Alvarez. He then hit Jose Tabata with a pitch. Rod Barajas followed with a single that loaded the bases. Next up was Clint Barmes, who drove in a run with an infield single. With the bases still loaded, Pittsburgh pinch-hit for McDonald with rookie Matt Hague. That brought out Royals manager Ned Yost, who pulled Mazzaro in favor of the hard-throwing Kelvin Herrera. He didn’t fare much better.

Hague drove in a run on a weird play (according to MLB’s gameday-I don’t live in the KC area and thus did not see it live). Alex Presley drove in another run with an infield single. Neil Walker drove in a run on a ground out before Herrera walked Andrew McCutchen. Garrett Jones drove in the Pirates final run on a force out.

So that’s five runs on three hits (two of which didn’t leave the infield).

» Continue reading “Five Run Inning Dooms Royals”

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The KC Royals begin their long stretch of Interleague games tonight in Pittsburgh against the surprising Pirates. The Pirates are 29-27 and just two games out of first place in the National League Central. They rely solely on their pitching staff, which has the fourth-best ERA in the Majors (3.33). Three of those starting pitchers will be on display this weekend. Closer Joel Hanrahan is 15-for-17 in save opportunities with a 2.86 ERA. Problem is, they have the second-worst offense in baseball (.224 batting average with just 173 RBIs).

The Royals will have a new look defense with Billy Butler expected to play first base, Eric Hosmer moving to right field, and Jeff Francoeur moving to center field. First baseman/DH Clint Robinson was promoted to provide some extra depth to the bench (he will be making his big league debut).

Friday: Luke Hochevar (3-6, 6.63 ERA) @ Erik Bedard (3-6, 3.72 ERA)

The Royals need Hochevar to get his act together or else the bullpen will yet again make an early appearance.

Bedard’s career has been rejuvenated this season as he has stayed healthy. He has lost two of his last three decisions.

Saturday: Vin Mazzaro (2-0, 2.25 ERA) @ James McDonald (5-2, 2.14 ERA)

Mazzaro continues to get a shot in the rotation as he keeps pitching well. He has done a good job of getting out of jams.

McDonald has the second best ERA in baseball and has been a pleasant surprise. He is averaging about one strikeout per inning (71 K’s in 71.1 innings to just 20 walks). Opponents are hitting just .194 against him.

Sunday: Bruce Chen (5-5, 4.37 ERA) @ AJ Burnett (5-2, 3.76 ERA)

Chen is coming off shutting down the suddenly hot Minnesota Twins offense (1-0 victory) and has been the Royals most consistent starter.

Burnett is another pitcher who has seen his career rejuvenated in Pittsburgh. He still struggles with high pitch counts (though he has walked just 18 this season).