4) Eddie Was More Than Steady
In his first start after his 12-run debacle, Edinson Volquez was a lot better than steady on Wednesday night. Volquez went 6.2 innings, scattering 6 hits, allowing 1 walk, and striking out 4 without an earned run.
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Volquez got ahead of hitters the whole night, and kept the ball in the park. The result was one of his best starts of the season, before giving way to Luke Hochevar in the seventh inning after giving up a two-out infield single to Brandon Moss.
The truth is, Moss would have been out if Volquez had covered the bag rather than chase after a grounder that had already dribbled past him. Despite getting a no decision, Volquez’s strong start kept the KC Royals tied up in a 0-0 game through seven.
The 6.2 scoreless innings helped Volquez reduce his 5.15 ERA to 4.80. However, he still has a long row to hoe to nullify that 12-run deluge last week. Expect his ERA to remain much worse than his actual performance for some time yet.
Next: Whit Merrifield