What is it about this 22nd win that has baffled thisclub? It is just one more win than 21, not anything special about the number 22, I am told. They lose another (10 straight overall) heart breaker, and to Minnesota again, in extra innings. This time it was the Twins who fought back in the late innings and tied it up, forcing extra innings.
The 9th inning was a rough one for the Royals, as the good performance from the mound, by Zack Greinke, was cancelled, by a 5-run, game tying, top of the inning, that the Royals had no answer for. They just got done scoring 8 runs in this game at that point, and I think that was a little much for the club to expect more from this sleeping giant.
The positive light in this game was the excellent outing Greinke had in this one. He ended up pitching 8 strong innings, scattering 5 Hits, and giving up only 3 Earned Runs, but striking out a “good-to-see” 8 batters. It is just unfortunate that the team lost this one today, if nothing else to have to see that pitching day for Greinke to go in the toilet.
It didn’t take long for the Twins to finish this one off, scoring the game winning run in the top of the next inning (10th). Again the Royals had no offensive response, posting a goose egg in the bottom of the inning, and losing the game. There was a lot of offense today, and the Royals may need to ease back into the swing of things, playing so aggressive early on this season.
The 22nd win of the season is still out of reach for the club, and their record still continues to fall. Now at a mark of 21-32, and finally alone in last place in the American League Central Division, having the Tigers figuring out how to win before the Royals, leaving them behind in the standings. The most depressing part is that they now find themselves 8.5 games out, and no answers in sight. Mayday-Mayday!
The Royals hope to win one soon, before they forget how, and avoid their third straight series sweep. They have to also be concerned about falling to far behind to make a run at the top spot before the season is through. There is still plenty of time left, remember the Yankees were 14 games out at the All-Star break last year…it’s possible, or wishful thinking, I can’t decide.