Randy Dobnak hit hard by the Cubs

Dobnak pitched two scoreless frames to start Friday’s game, but allowed a two-run homer to Brandon Lowe in the third inning to give the Pirates their first runs of the night while cutting the Royals’ lead to 4-2. Dobnak would retire the next three batters he faced to escape the inning but was pulled with two outs in the fourth inning after allowing two more runs to come across to score. Things could have been much worse for Dobnak, who allowed 10 total baserunners on the night but benefited from some timely ground balls. Dobnak has had a rough September. He’s allowed 14 earned runs over 21 1/3 innings (5.91 ERA) while also giving up four homers. His final start of the season is set for Thursday at home against the White Sox.

Dobnak gave up seven hits, walked two and struck out six. He fell to 2-3 with the loss. Dobnak had only allowed three runs in the first six innings, but was charged with another three runs after allowing three hits to begin the seventh inning. Dobnak has a 2.65 ERA, though his xFIP is 4.15. He’s lined up to face the Blue Jays at home on Sunday.