Toronto starting pitcher Shaun Marcum, a Southwest Missouri State University alum, lost a no hit bid in the 7 th inning, but picked up the win as the Blue Jays held on to shade the Kansas City Royals 2-1 Friday night at Kauffman Stadium.
Kansas City designated hitter Billy Butler broke up the no hitter, stroking a single with 2 out in the 7 th inning.
The Blue Jays had taken a 2-0 lead in the 6 th , then let the pitching carry them the rest of the way. The Royals scored a run in the bottom of the 8 th and put a runner on in the 9 th , but failed to score the tieing run as the Jays held on for the win.
Marcum (9-4) pitched 6 2/3 innings, allowing the 1 hit. Jeremy Accardo got is 21 st save. Gil Meche (7-10) had another hard luck outing, giving up 2 earned runs in 5 innings to take the loss.
The Royals (50-64) and the Blue Jays (58-56) play again Saturday night at the K. Leo Nunez (1-0) goes to the mound for Kansas City against Toronto’s Dustin McGowan (8-5).