Gil Meche allowed five runs, including a four-run third, and a career-high 14 hits in 6 1/3 innings as the always dangerous Texas Rangers beat Kansas City 9-4. The Royals scored two in the third on RBI singles from Alberto Callaspo and David DeJesus, and one in the seventh on John Buck’s fielder’s choice.

Meche had been rolling winning seven of his last eight decisions, but with this loss his record evens to .500 at 10-10.   He hasn’t beaten Texas since 2005. 

Scott Feldman, a reliever-turned-starter, went seven innings for the victory. He gave up three runs on eight hits, three of them singles by David DeJesus. Feldman snapped the Rangers’ five-game losing streak when he was on the mound (two losses, three no-decisions).

Manager Trey Hillman and Meche talk about his rough start.

Download/listen to Royals postgame (mp3)