Royals 2 - 1 Mariners
Final
  for this game

Teaford makes first big league start in Seattle

Sep 11, 2011 - 3:44 PM

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(Sports Network) - Everett Teaford makes his first major league start this afternoon when the Kansas City Royals conclude a four-game set with the Seattle Mariners at Safeco Field.

Teaford, who has never faced the Mariners, has appeared in 23 games out of the bullpen for the Royals this season and has pitched to a 3.21 earned run average without recording a decision.

"I guess it's official now, no more TBA," Teaford said. "I'm excited. It'll be fun. I haven't started since April [for Triple-A Omaha], but I think I've done three innings the last couple of times. You just take that same mentality and go as long as you can, make good pitches and get guys out quick."

Seattle will counter with young lefty Anthony Vasquez, who has lost his last two starts after winning his big league debut back on August 23. Vasquez lost to the Angels on Monday, surrendering seven runs, just three of which were earned, and five hits in 5 2/3 innings to up his ERA to 9.00.

This will be his first-ever start against the Royals.

On Saturday, Eric Hosmer's two-run homer in the first inning proved to be the difference, as Kansas City prevailed, 4-2. Jeff Francoeur hit a solo homer for the Royals, who snapped a three-game skid.

Kansas City starter Felipe Paulino (3-6) gave up two runs on two hits to go with a season-high 11 strikeouts over seven innings.

Justin Smoak and Mike Carp hit solo homers for the Mariners, who had won three of four.

Rookie Michael Pineda (9-10) allowed three runs on five hits over a career- high eight innings to take the loss. He struck out eight and walked one.

"That was pretty quick wasn't it? That's what happens when you get two overpowering guys matched up against each other; it's normally going to be a quick game," Royals manager Ned Yost said.

Kansas City has won four of its seven meetings with the Mariners this season. However, Seattle is 31-20 against the Royals at Safeco Field, which opened in 1999 -- its second-best winning percentage against an opponent there.






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