Feldman Struggles, Rangers Lose 5-2

Billy Butler (above, 16) hit a solo home run that broke a 2-2 tie in the sixth inning as the Royals won their first game of the season against Texas. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)

Because of shaky pitching, both in the starting rotation and from the bullpen, the Texas Rangers (26-21) have now lost three of their past four games after a five-game winning streak last week.

Rangers' starter, and supposed ace, Scott Feldman (L, 2-5) gave up four runs on seven hits in 6 2-3 innings - the fifth straight start in which he has given up four runs or more. Feldman's ERA has skyrocketed to a season-high 5.84 during this span.

"I'm frustrated," Feldman said. "I've got to get better."

The Kansas City Royals (19-28), on the other hand, got eight innings of two run ball from Luke Hochevar (W, 5-2), who got his second straight win.

"Hochevar didn't give up much," Manager Ron Washington said. "The sixth inning we had a chance to take the lead on him, but we just didn't get it done. Feldman hung in there and gave us 6 2-3 innings. We just didn't put enough runs to make a difference."

It's a lot to ask of your offense to score five runs every game just get a win. At some point this pitching staff needs to snap out of it and start playing like they did earlier in the season. I'm working on a full separate article on the pitching staff's struggles, look for it tomorrow.

In terms of Wash's comments on the sixth inning, Michael Young knocked in Elvis Andrus, tying the game at 2-all, with a triple. But Ian Kinsler and Vladimir Guerrero each grounded out to the left side of the infield to end the threat. Texas had a couple of hits after the sixth, but weren't able to manufacture a rally to make a series push the rest of the game.

Texas has a day off before traveling to Minnesota to take on the Twins for a three-game set starting Friday night. Colby Lewis (4-2, 3.45 ERA) takes the mound for Texas while Kevin Slowey (5-3, 4.53) gets the start for the 26-19 Minnesota Twins.

News and Notes:

• Speaking of Guerrero, after his two home run, five RBI first game of the series, he went 0-4 in game two.
• Texas is now 8-12 on the road this season, ninth best in the American League but best among A.L. West teams.

(Portions of this article were taken from The Associated Press)