Royals’ starter Zach Greinke gave up six runs in five innings of the Royals’ 7-3 loss to the first-place Minnesota Twins at a sold out Target Field in Minneaspolis. With his fourth straight loss, Greinke’s record slid to 1-8 and his ERA jumped to 4.05.

The Twins got to Greinke early and it was Jason Kubel, a guy Greinke has caused fits for in the past who hurt him. Kubel hit a two run double in the first and he also homered. The Royals fell behind quickly 5-0. It didn’t help that Kevin Slowey was on, setting down the first 13 Royals he faced.

To compound Greinke’s problems, which manager Ned Yost said is like a hitter going through a slump, in those four straight losses, the Royals have scored no runs for Greinke. He’s not getting any offensive help at all.

Back to Slowey, he pitched seven shutout innings and it was is first outing without allowing an earned run in 37 starts.