Game 115: Boston @ Kansas City

Game Date: August 6, 2008
Red Sox 8, Royals 2 / Box Score
WP: Wakefield (7-8), LP: Hochevar (6-10)
Royal Home Runs: None
Royals Record: 53-62

Trey Hillman might have a knuckleball, which he threw during batting practice in order to prepare his team to face Tim Wakefield, but it didn't help much. The Royals managed just four hits and one run against him in six innings and they had a 5-2 lead when he left the game.

Luke Hochevar on the other hand struggled again, giving up five earned runs on seven hits in 5.2 innings. He also walked three. He continues to give up the big hit with two outs and his ERA continues to climb. Back on June 25 it was 4.60. By the end of July it was 5.38 (after going 1-3 with a 7.67 ERA for the month), and two losses later, it's up to 5.54 with a 1.50 WHIP. Yikes.

What is even more concerning is Ron Mahay getting lit up the way he did. He gave up three earned runs on four hits, including a home run, in just one inning. He's had such a great season. Let's hope it's not heading south now. He also gave up three runs in a third of an inning against the White Sox on August 2.

Other than a Ross Gload single in the fifth that brought in two runs, the offense didn't do much. Although, Billy Butler was 3-for-4 and Alex Gordon was 2-for-4. The Royals didn't draw any walks.

The Royals are off today. They'll begin a new series at home against the Twins on Friday night. Kyle Davies (5-2, 4.41) will go up against Kevin Slowey (7-8, 4.21). Davies is 2-2 in his career against the Twins with a 3.98 ERA in 20.1 IP. Slowey is 1-0 against the Royals with a 2.92 ERA in 12.1 IP.