Ventura threw well in a 5-4 loss at Cleveland last time out with two runs allowed (one earned) on seven hits over six innings.
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Unlike what the Red Sox did to Wright and what the Orioles did to Royals pitching, the issue for Kansas City has always been their inability to hit that long ball.
One of the game’s hardest-throwing starters, Ventura threw his hardest fastball – his only 99-mph pitch of the evening – into Machado’s back.
The Royals and Orioles didn’t go that far, but Machado and Ventura will likely miss time in the near future receive fines for their actions. The two had exchanged words earlier in the game. Ventura prepared for the confrontation by taking off his hat and glove. Machado was restrained by teammate Chris Tillman after the initial thrust.
The two have a history with Ventura hitting Machado in a game previous year.
Trumbo greeted reliever Chien-Ming Wang with his major league-leading 20th home run, and Davis followed with a solo shot.
Just five days ago, Wright was sent to the minors after giving up four home runs in less than three innings against Boston. This was the only victory in that stretch in which the Orioles never trailed.
Kansas City Royals’ Lorenzo Cain reacts after striking out swinging in the sixth inning of a baseball game against the Baltimore Orioles in Baltimore, Monday, June 6, 2016. Mark Trumbo led off with his 19th home run, Matt Wieters went deep with one out and Duffy was done. The Royals are 30-27 but have dropped their last four straight, including the three-games series against the Indians, and the first game of the three-game series with the Orioles, last night 4-1.
Brad Brach struck out the side in the eighth and Zach Britton got three straight outs for his 18th save. However, the starting pitchers for the Royals have had trouble keeping the ball in the park.
LHP Danny Duffy, who will start for the Royals Monday in Baltimore, has a 5.71 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
Duffy was outpitched by rookie Mike Wright (3-3), who allowed five hits over seven innings.
“He got a do-over”, Orioles Manager Buck Showalter said.
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Royals: Edinson Volquez (5-5, 4.03 ERA) will attempt to lift Kansas City out of its season-long funk in the series finale Wednesday night. Lester (7-3) improved to 6-0 in eight career starts against the Phillies while lowering his ERA against them to 1.46.
