KANSAS CITY, Mo. — After an encouraging two-game series road sweep over the Texas Rangers, the Kansas City Royals took their turn as sweep victims after losing 5-3 to the Baltimore Orioles on Thursday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium.
Kansas City had an electric third inning. Catcher Humberto Quintero hit a two-run RBI double over the head of Orioles center fielder Adam Jones. Designated hitter Johnny Giavotella smacked an RBI single to give the Royals (15-22, 4-15 home) a 3-0 lead.
In the fourth, Baltimore (25-14, 13-5 away) fired back with a two-run blast from CF Adam Jones, his 13th HR of the season. A go-ahead two-run RBI single by shortstop J.J. Hardy gave the O’s a 5-3 lead in the seventh.
Orioles closer Jim Johnson (0.48 ERA) slammed the door shut with his 14th save.
Royals starter Luke Hochevar (3-4, 7.02 ERA) gave up four runs on seven hits in 6 innings, fanning six, and walking one.
The Royals begin interleague play on Friday with a three-game series against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Kauffman Stadium.
