Royals' Michael Lorenzen: Inefficient in no-decision

Lorenzen came away with a no-decision in Friday's 8-5 loss to the Cardinals, giving up three runs on six hits and two walks over 4.1 innings. He struck out three.

The veteran right-hander had trouble putting hitters away despite generating 28 called or swinging strikes among his 88 pitches, and Lorenzen failed to complete five innings for the second time in his last three starts. Since his last quality start back on June 18, he's posted a shaky 5.22 ERA, 1.56 WHIP and 33:22 K:BB in 39.2 innings, but the Royals are still hoping he can steady the back of their rotation as they fight to hang onto a wild-card spot. Lorenzen is scheduled to make his next trip to the mound on the road next weekend in Cincinnati.