BALTIMORE -- Brandon Duckworth labored through five-plus innings and the Royals offense continued to struggle in a 8-1 loss to the Baltimore Orioles on Friday night.
Kansas City has lost three straight and six of seven. The Royals, off to a 1-4 start on their first road trip of the year, have scored two or fewer runs in six of their eight losses this season.

Duckworth (0-1), who tossed 6 1/3 shutout innings in his first start of the year for a no-decision April 8, allowed four runs -- two earned -- on nine hits, while walking four and striking out four.

An error by Royals third baseman Esteban German opened the door for a two-run double off the top of the fence in center by Aubrey Huff in the first -- a play that was originally ruled a double, reversed to a home run and then back to a double.

Baltimore extended the lead to 4-0 on Brian Roberts' RBI double in the second and Paul Bako's run-scoring single in the third. The Royals loaded the bases with no out against Erik Bedard in the fourth, but could manage only a run-producing fielder's choice by Emil Brown.

Nick Markakis hit a two-out grand slam off reliever Todd Wellemeyer in the eighth.

Bedard (2-1) pitched six innings, allowed a run on five hits, walked one and struck out nine.

Pete Kerzel is a contributor to MLB.com. This story was not subject to the approval of Major League Baseball or its clubs.