The Kansas City Royals lose the finale of their series with Oakland, getting blasted 17-3 by the A’s in a matinee at Kauffman Stadium.
Royals starter Luke Hudson (0-1) got into trouble early in his first start of the season, giving up five runs, four of them earned, in two innings of work. Hudson only gave up two hits, but walked four batters.
The A’s then took advantage of a Royals bullpen having a rough day, scoring four runs in the 4 th , one in the 5 th , two in the 6 th , four more in the 7 th , and one more in the 8 th.
Joe Kennedy (1-2) started for Oakland, pitching five scoreless innings before the Royals broke loose for three runs in the 6 th .
Oakland took Royals pitching deep early and often. Designated Hitter Jack Cust belted his second homer of the year, a two-run shot in the 2 nd . Third baseman Eric Chavez hit his fourth of the year, a two run blast in the 4 th . First baseman Dan Johnson then hit his third home run of the season, a solo shot in the 4 th . Leftfielder Danny Putnam’s solo home run in the 7 th ended the long ball show.
The Royals (11-24) open a weekend series with the White Sox Friday night in Chicago. Odalis Peres (2-3) takes to the mound for the Royals against Chicago’s Jon Garland (1-2).
