Royals Grind Out 1-0 Win Over Rays, Even Series

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — In an all-out pitchers’ duel on Tuesday night, the Kansas City Royals beat the Tampa Bay Rays 1-0 in extra innings at Tropicana Field.

As per usual, Rays All-Star lefty David Price was electric, but so was Royals starter Luke Hochevar. Both pitchers tossed eight scoreless innings.

In 8 innings, Hochevar (4.95 ERA) gave up one hit, striking out 10 and walking three. Price (2.28 ERA) gave up three hits in 8 innings, fanning eight and walking none.

Hochevar extended his scoreless streak against the Rays (68-55, 33-28 home) to 17 consecutive innings. He pitched a complete game shutout against the Rays in June at Kauffman Stadium.

Rays All-Star closer Fernando Rodney (0.78 ERA) tossed a scoreless ninth, fanning two and walking one. Royals reliever Kelvin Herrera (1-1, 2.43 ERA) pitched in the ninth, and went on to earn the win.

In a game solely dominated by pitching, one run made all the difference. In the 10th, Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer scored Jeff Francoeur with the game-winning RBI single.

Closer Greg Holland (3.00 ERA) earned his sixth save. Joel Peralta (1-5, 3.25 ERA) earned the loss.

The Royals (55-67, 29-34 away) snapped the Rays’ five-game winning streak.

Luis Mendoza (7-8, 4.26 ERA) starts against Rays right-handed pitcher James Shields (11-7, 4.03 ERA) in a game-three rubber-match on Wednesday afternoon at Tropicana Field.