James Shields exhales in the fourth inning, showing the type of night it was for the ace of the staff. (photo/MLB)
It was the shortest outing of the season for James Shields in terms of innings, but it felt like a complete game effort. Throwing 113 pitches in just five innings, Shields allowed nine hits and five runs, four earned, as the Royals lost to the Twins 10-2. It was his first loss since May 2, a span of 10 starts in which he had five wins and five no-decisions. Shields has a 5.66 ERA in his past eight starts, and only twice has he allowed three or fewer runs.
Twins star Joe Mauer drove in two runs and extended his hitting streak to 12 games with a double in the fourth inning, but was limping as he ran to second base and had to come out of the game. Edwin Nunez homered and drove in two runs and Sam Fuld collected two RBIs for the Twins who had 15 hits, but only six of their ten runs were earned.
Michael Mariot lasted one-third of an inning as he was charged with five runs two earned, giving up three hits and two walks before being lifted.
Eric Hosmer was the only bright spot for the Royals offense as he went 4 for 4, raising his average to .254.
