Just as we were discussing a week or two ago, a nice win streak would boost this team right into the thick of it, up near the top. The same applies to a losing streak, and how fast you can see first place pull away from you in a matter of a week of loses. This is now the Kansas City Royals. They have had a very up and down season so far, and this last little down, has to teach the club something. Specifically losing to Boston Red Sox.
This Boston team is the hottest thing going right now in the majors. They get it done from every angle imaginable. Hitting/running, pitching, pinch hitting/running, and bullpen. It is quite a sight. But the lesson to be learned from all this is that the Royals can play against the best, and participate on a major league level against the best. Don’t take to much away from these Royals, they did put an 8-spot up against the best there is.
Brian Bannister took one today, and was dismissed early, only going 5.1 innings, giving up 12 Hits, and watched 7 base runners cross home plate. Yikes! Bannister included a grand slam in his Hits totals, giving it to JD Drew in the 2nd inning. That is a sure fire way to get that ERA sky-rocketing. He took the loss and saw his record slip to 4-6.
Gobble came in relief of Bannister, and gave up another grand salami, in the 6th inning, taking the lead to 11-3, at that point. A lead, despite a late inning rally from the Royals, held on to win this game 11-8.
Jose Guillen had a tremedous individual day today from the plate. He went 4 for 5, with 3 RBI’s and a homer. Miguel Olivo went off for 5 RBI’s of his own. Included in this rally were 2 Doubles, and a 3-Run homer, in the 8th inning.
This is the forth straight loss for Kansas City in as many games, and all against Boston, in this 4-game series. The Royals are now 21-26, 5.5 games out of the Central, behind Chicago, and only 1 game out of a tie for the basement. Sinking fast.
Toronto is the next destination for the club, as they wind up this road trip, and try to turn things around, and salvage something out of this lengthy stay away.