When I looked at the starters last night for both Baltimore and Kansas City, I thought in my mind — boy, could things get real ugly. In addition, when I saw last night’s starter for the Royals was Bruce Chen — I also thought, well, the Orioles should be able to open up the four-game series on a high note and perhaps beat around their former teammate. The Orioles also faced Ryan Freel — who was shipped out of town only mere weeks into the season and was made expendable because of Ty Wigginton and Felix Pie.
Things did not work out as planned, and Baltimore dropped the first game of the series to Kansas City, 5-3. Well, Chen didn’t win the game against his former mates, but his combination of breaking balls and off-speed stuff kept the Orioles on their toes. He gave up three runs in five innings, and got a no-decision.
Billy Butler for Kansas City was the offensive star of the game as he went 5-for-5 with 3 RBIs, while Baltimore’s Adam Jones had two RBI’s with a homer. Aubrey Huff had two hits, as did Nolan Reimold and Cesar Izturis.
Monday’s start was important for Rich Hill, and for the umpteenth time, he struggled mightly. The southpaw only lasted 2 1/3 innings, and gave up three runs; therefore, one has to wonder if this is his last start with Baltimore. Then again, after the game, Hill says that he’s been struggling with shoulder issues all year.
Billy Butler got Kansas City on the board in the first inning as he had an RBI-single, and in the bottom of the inning Adam Jones hit a solo shot off Chen — his 15th — to the tie game. Baltimore took a 2-1 lead in the bottom of the second as Adam Jones drove in another run by being hit by a pitch with the bases loaded. Kansas City came back and took a 3-2 lead as both Butler and Mark Teahen had back-to-back RBI doubles. Baltimore came back and tied the game at three all as Matt Wieters singled in a run.
Kansas City took the lead for good in the top of the seventh as Bryan Pena drove in a run with an infield single to make the score, 4-3, and added another run off a Billy Butler single.
