SURPRISE, Ariz. (AP) Yordano Ventura gave up four runs in the first two innings, but the Kansas City Royals rallied to beat the Cleveland Indians 6-5 Monday.
Ventura gave up hits to the first four batters, with Jason Kipnis and Carlos Santana contributing RBI singles in a three-run first. The right-hander allowed four runs on seven hits and a walk in three innings. He struck out five. Ventura has a 10.29 ERA in three starts
“I’m happy with my fastball, but they squared some up,” Ventura said through a translator.
Ventura’s fastball reached 100 mph on radar guns.
“Good stuff, got his pitch count (69) where we wanted it.” Royals manager Ned Yost said. “He’s still refining his fastball command.”
Indians right-hander Shaun Marcum, who was limited to 17 1/3 innings in the minors last season while recovering from shoulder surgery, threw three scoreless innings, allowing two hits.
“As far as my arm, it’s night and day to where I was last year,” Marcum said. “I feel like I’m headed in right direction right now. I’ve still got to continue to build up arm strength, pitch count, endurance, mechanically in the pen.”
With Gavin Floyd set to have elbow surgery, Marcum is competing for a spot in Cleveland’s rotation. He hasn’t pitched in the majors since 2013.
Matt Fields hit a two-run homer and Christian Colon had a two-run single for the Royals.
