Rangers' Yu Darvish: Shines as tough-luck loser in Kansas City

Darvish (2-2) pitched six innings Friday, allowing three runs (two earned), seven hits and one walk while striking out 11 Royals in the loss.

Analysis:

Darvish was outdueled by Royals' starter Danny Duffy, but left the game without much bad to be said about his performance. Making just his fifth start since August 2014 due to injury, Darvish amassed double-digit strikeouts for the first time since July 18, 2014. Friday also marked the right-hander's longest outing since returning, and his highest pitch total (91). The 29-year-old appears ready to pay dividends to those owners that have patiently waited for the Japanese star to return to form.