ARLINGTON -- Royals starter Yordano Ventura had a learning moment in the bottom of the first in Wednesday's 5-2 loss to the Rangers.
First batter. Sixth pitch to Rangers outfielder Shin-Soo Choo. Sixth fastball to Choo. Choo, ready for it, hammered a 391-foot home run to right field. It was the first of two key mistakes for the 23-year-old right-hander -- he also allowed a backbreaking two-run homer to Prince Fielder on a hanging curveball in the second inning to put the Royals behind, 4-0.
In a start that began wobbly and actually turned into one that helped the bullpen and ultimately may help Kansas City during this long season, the Royals hope Ventura takes important lessons learned and moves forward.