Sidney Ponson gave up seven runs in 4.1 innings as the Royals lost 7-5 Friday night to Minnesota. Justin Morneau and Twins catcher Joe Mauer connected on a home runs.
The Royals took a chance on starter Sidney Ponson after he pitched well for the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic back in March, but so far he hasn’t found his groove on the big league level.
Ponson is now 0-4 with an ERA of 7.16 after he surrendered seven runs off nine hits. Things didn’t start well for Ponson as he gave up a first inning home run to Joe Mauer who was making his first start of the season after missing the first month with back issues.
The Royals took a 2-1 lead in the third when David DeJesus singled home Alberto Callaspo and Mike Aviles. The Twins struck back in the bottom of the fourth when Mauer started a four run rally with a lead- off double.
The Royals tried to battle their way back tying the game at five in the top of the fifth when DeJesus doubled in a run and Jose Guillen drove in two more off Twins starter Bob Slowey with a single.
In the bottom half of the inning, Morneau put the Twins back on top with a two run homer off Ponson.
