Game 34: Baltimore @ Kansas City

Game Date: May 8, 2008
Orioles 4, Royals 1 / Box Score
WP: Cabrera (3-1), LP: Hochevar (2-2)
Royal Home Runs: None
Royals Record: 15-19

Normally when you hear that the opposing pitcher was just too good, I'm a little skeptical. Oh, it happens. But when you have an offense that struggles like the Royals are right now, I usually think that the offense has something to do with their being mowed down as well. But not last night.

Daniel Cabrera threw a sinking fastball in the mid-90s and when the Royals made contact, it was usually a ground ball at somebody. Cabrera got 18 ground outs (to go along with seven strikeouts and two outfield fly outs).

Luke Hochevar gave up a run in the first on a wild pitch and then a three-run home run to Nick Markakis in the third inning. I like what Hochevar said after them game about the home run because it shows that he continues to grow as a pitcher:

"I fell into that category where I got beat with my least-best pitch instead of sticking with my strength and attacking the strike zone," Hochevar said. "It was just a changeup that stayed up in the zone."

Tonight, Gil Meche (2-4, 5.98) will look to even the series. He'll go up against Steve Trachsel (1-4, 7.43). Meche is 4-4 against the Orioles in his career with a 2.95 ERA. Trachsel is 1-3 against the Royals with a 4.81 ERA.