KANSAS CITY -- Royals rookie right-hander Burch Smith's struggles continue to mount.
In fact, Smith offered up his shortest starting stint to date in six tries. Smith lasted only 1 2/3 innings and gave up six hits and five runs in a 7-0 loss to the Cardinals on Friday at Kauffman Stadium. The Royals have lost seven of eight.
In his last three starts, Smith has given up 16 runs over 10 2/3 innings and his ERA as a starter ballooned to 9.68. His overall ERA rose to 6.