Edinson Volquez continues spring struggles as Royals fall to Giants, 8-3

Edinson Volquez could not hide his smile. His Cactus League ERA bloated to 9.49 after giving up four runs in four innings in a 8-3 loss to San Francisco, but he did not appear too concerned with the outcome.

“I felt good today, even if I gave up four runs,“ Volquez said inside the visitors’ clubhouse at Scottsdale Stadium. “I can’t remember when was the last time I had a good spring training. It’s crazy.”

In his first spring with the Royals, Volquez has yet to experience much success. He was content with his performance on Monday, though he lamented his inability to finish at-bats. The Giants dinged him for all four of their runs in the fourth, and Volquez gave up seven hits and issued four walks in all.

It was an ugly day for Royals pitching. Luke Hochevar gave up a home run to outfielder Daniel Carbonell. The Giants bashed Ryan Madson for three more runs in the eighth inning.

The scoring began after an RBI triple by Giants third baseman Adam Duvall. Five of the next six batters reached base. The lone interruption in that chain was pitcher Jake Peavy, who bunted for a sacrifice. Juan Perez pulled an RBI single past Mike Moustakas at third base, Gregor Blanco doubled and Joe Panik ripped a single.

Volquez issued walks to Buster Posey and Brandon Belt, but with two outs and the bases loaded, he managed to get Brandon Crawford on a pop-up to end the barrage.

Volquez reported struggling with his curveball all afternoon. When asked about it afterward, he described the pitch as “really bad.”

Royals-Giants spring training box score - March 23

This story was originally published March 23, 2015 at 6:02 PM with the headline "Edinson Volquez continues spring struggles as Royals fall to Giants, 8-3."