Young has four hits in Diamondbacks 12-2 victory over Royals

Haren picks up victory over Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Chris Young had a career high four hits before getting hurt and Dan Haren earned his sixth victory in seven decisions to help the Arizona Diamondbacks beat the Kansas City Royals 12-5 on Thursday night.

Gerardo Parra homered, tripled and drove in three runs and Justin Upton contributed three hits, including two doubles, as the Diamondbacks collected a 16 hits, one shy of their season high. Eric Byrnes also homered. Every Diamondbacks starter except Mark Reynolds had at least one hit.

Haren (6-4), who has lost only once in his past 11 starts, limited the Royals to two runs on seven hits, while striking out six and walking none in seven innings. Haren’s 2.23 ERA ranks second in the National League.

Young, who raised his average from .189 to .204, had a triple and two doubles before pulling up lame in the eighth inning.

Parra led off the sixth with a home run off Royals reliever Juan Cruz and had a two-run triple in the third.

Royals starter Luke Hochevar, who needed just 80 pitches for a complete-game victory over Cincinnati in his previous start, threw 94 pitches in four-plus innings before being replaced by Jamey Wright.

Hochevar (2-3) gave up seven runs, nine hits and walked two.

The Royals’ poor defense again cost them. Second baseman Alberto Callaspo committed two gaffes and shortstop Willie Bloomquist one as the Royals made six errors in the past two games, running their season total to 50. Only Seattle has more errors in the American League.

David DeJesus drove in four of the Kansas City runs and had three hits. DeJesus’ double in the third scored Brayan Pena and Mitch Maier for the only runs off Haren. DeJesus added a two-run triple in the Royals’ three-run ninth.

Notes: Diamondbacks C Chris Snyder was scratched from the lineup with tightness in his back. … Diamondbacks RHP Tom Gordon threw a 35-pitch bullpen session, his first time off the mound since going on the disabled list May 4 with a hamstring injury.