Royals' Edinson Volquez: Takes loss to Nationals despite quality start

Volquez (3-2) allowed two runs on seven hits and a walk over 7.2 innings with seven strikeouts in a tough loss Monday against the Nationals.

Analysis:

After allowing two runs in the first inning, Volquez settled in and absolutely locked down the Nationals. He induced 11 swinging strikes and nine ground ball outs, threw 20 first-pitch strikes to 29 batters and threw 72 strikes in 114 pitches to keep his team in the game. Unfortunately, Gio Gonzalez (six shutout innings) was better, but Volquez has given owners plenty to like this year. Other than a disaster last time out against the Angels (eight runs in five innings), Volquez has gone at least 5.2 innings and allowed two runs or fewer every time out.