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Royals seek third straight victory in clash with Mariners

Apr 15, 2011 - 2:33 PM (Sports Network) - The Kansas City Royals take aim at their third straight win this evening when they resume a four-game set against the Seattle Mariners at Kauffman Stadium.

The Royals won for the fourth time in five tries to kick this series off on Thursday, as Wilson Betemit finished 1-for-2 with two RBI, including a solo homer to help Kansas City to a 5-1 victory in a game that was called after eight innings because of the rain.

Alex Gordon hit a two-run double in third inning while Bruce Chen (2-0) went eight innings, allowing one unearned run on six hits while striking out a batter for the Royals, who are 5-2 at home to mark their best home start since a franchise-record 11-0 mark to open the 2003 campaign.

"We were waiting for the rain since the fifth inning," Chen said. "I tried not to think about it. Obviously, it was getting a little more wet. On the mound, it was a little difficult, but I feel like my defense was a key."

Adam Kennedy knocked in the only Seattle run on a sacrifice fly in the top of the eighth inning, and Mariners starter Doug Fister (0-3) went seven innings, allowing five runs on eight hits while striking out five.

The Mariners have dropped nine of their last 11 after starting the season 2-0.

Tonight the Royals turn to right-hander Luke Hochevar, who is coming off his first win of the season. Hochevar beat the Detroit Tigers on Sunday, holding them to four runs (three earned) and five hits in seven innings to run his record to 1-1 on the year to go along with a 5.30 ERA.

Hochevar has faced the Mariners twice and is 1-0 with a 3.75 ERA in those outings.

Seattle will counter with lefty Erik Bedard, who is still trying to regain his form after missing all of last season with shoulder injuries. Bedard has lost his first two starts and has pitched to a 9.00 ERA in doing so. He only lasted four innings on Sunday against Cleveland, which battered him for six runs and 10 hits.

Bedard, though, has had some success against the Royals, posting a 3-1 mark with a 2.30 ERA in five starts.

Kansas City won five of its nine meetings with the Mariners last season.

Prior to tonight's contest the Royals will celebrate Jackie Robinson Day with a special ceremony that will honor Frank White as this year's recipient of the Negro Leagues Museum Jackie Robinson Legacy Award for lifetime achievement.