Chen gives up three homers in loss to Detroit

Royals starter Bruce Chen gave up three home runs in the 4.2 innings he pitched allowing seven runs as the Royals lost to Detroit 8-5.  The big blast came from Marcus Thames, a three run shot in a four run fifth inning.  With Kyle Davies and Sidney Ponson pitching well at AAA, I would say it’s time to end the Bruce Chen experiment. 

Before Thames, Miguel Cabrera connected on a solo shot in the first inning. In the third, Placido Polanco followed a walk with a home run for two of his four RBIs. Verlander is now 9-1 in his career against Kansas City after going six innings allowing five runs, three earned while striking out 11.

The Royals didn’t go down quietly.  David DeJesus cleared the bases with a double in the second inning after Jose Guillen and Alberto Callaspo singled before newcomer Ryan Freel reached on catcher’s interference.  In the sixth, Billy Butler led off with a home run to left field. Then an error and Guillen’s single added another run to pull to within 7-5.