BALTIMORE — — Alec Marsh pitched seven innings of two-hit ball, Maikel Garcia drove in three runs and the Kansas City Royals breezed past the Baltimore Orioles 4-1 Tuesday night at wet and chilly Camden Yards.
Marsh (1-0) turned in the best performance of his budding career, dominating the defending AL East champions with an exceptional display of control. He struck out five, walked one and retired the side in order five times.
Marsh received offensive support from Garcia, who hit a two-run double in the second inning and added an RBI triple in the fourth.
Will Smith got three straight outs for his first save.
A persistent, light rain soaked the players and the announced crowd of 9,404. Temperatures dipped into the 40s soon after the game started, and a crisp breeze provided the stouthearted fans additional discomfort.
Royals reliever Jake Brentz threw in the bullpen for the first time since going on the IL last month with a left hamstring strain.
The teams face a rainy forecast for Wednesday’s series finale, which matches Orioles ace Corbin Burnes (1-0, 1.50 ERA) and Royals opening day starter Cole Ragans (0-1, 3.00) at 12:05.