Breakthrough for Hochevar

CHICAGO - Despite going almost two months without a victory, Luke Hochevar hadn't lost any confidence in himself.

The former University of Tennessee star pitched a three-hitter for his first career shutout and Miguel Olivo hit a pair of two-run shots and drove in a career-high six runs as the Kansas City Royals defeated the Chicago White Sox 11-0 on Friday night.

Hochevar (7-10) allowed just three singles and struck out five with one walk. The right-hander won his first start since July 25 and won his first game in his last eight decisions. He struck out Ramon Castro in the third inning to start a string of eight consecutive outs.

"Even though I've been going through that (losing) stretch I felt like I was throwing the ball well. I really hadn't lost any confidence," said Hochevar. "It's tough. I felt like my stuff was good. I felt like I was making pitches. Sooner or later it was going to break. Luckily it finally happened."

Hochevar even thought opposing hitters knew what was coming.

"I've had so many ups and downs, worrying about tipping pitches and trying to fix that," Hochevar.

Olivo's home runs came in the sixth inning against White Sox starter Mark Buehrle and in the eighth against reliever Jhonny Nunez.

"Wow. Hoch was outstanding, obviously Miggie led the offense. With a tremendous performance," said Royals manager Trey Hillman.