Dodgers' Hill says he was 'complete horse----' after getting shelled

Don't tell Rich Hill spring training results don't matter.

The Los Angeles Dodgers left-hander was shelled during his start Thursday and didn't hold back when assessing a performance in which he only managed to record a single out.

"It sucked. It was complete horse (expletive)," Hill said, according to Bill Plunkett of the Orange County Register. "Pitching like that is totally unacceptable. ... It doesn't matter if it's the Cactus League. You want to go out and have success."

Making his third start of the spring, Hill allowed six runs off seven hits while striking out one from 35 pitches against the Kansas City Royals. After surrendering a leadoff single and striking out the next batter, Hill gave up a double, single, double, homer, triple, and single before manager Dave Roberts had seen enough.

Hill had enjoyed success in his previous two starts this spring, allowing two runs (one earned) off two hits while striking out eight in seven innings.

If there's any consolation for Hill, it's that he also struggled last March: In six starts, he posted a 6.19 ERA, 1.75 WHIP, and walked 15 in 16 innings, but he would end up having a strong regular season.