Just when we were getting used to seeing our starters go the distance, give up one run, record the win, and give the bullpen another day off, we are reminded how special those last two pitching outings were. Things were not as rosy today, as the Royals drop one to the Mariners and leave Seattle with a shortened series “wash.” The pitching was not as consistent as we are getting accustomed to seeing. The bullpen was worked hard today (for a change), letting up a collection of 6 of the 11 runs scored in the game, and giving up 6 of the 13 hits. Bale made it only 3 innings, before getting relieved by Hideo Nomo. Bale’s numbers were a dismal 7 hits, and 5 runs scored (all earned), with only recording three strike outs. Base runners were plentiful for the Mariners, as all of the runs that they scored came off of solid hits, instead of clicking 2 or 3 at a time off of home runs.
There was not many positive aspects to this game for the Royals pitching staff, as their woes continued even after the relief took the mound. Hideo Nomo entered the game in the 4th inning after Bale pitched to one batter. Nomo’s performance was far worse then average, even, as he was lite up good, giving up 3 hits, taking 4 earned runs, and watched his ERA soar to 13.50. The rest of the relieving cast did not fair well, either, giving up 2 more runs in the late innings.
The Royals, however, were not without some offense. They scored a run quickly in the first, and then struggled a bit against Batista, until they found a way to make some offense out of nothing in the forth, knocking in 3 runs. They managed 2 more runs in the 6th inning, but by that time the damage was done. The good news here is that the runs batted in were coming from everywhere in the lineup, including 2 RBI’s from Pena Jr. in the ninth slot. So not all was bad. It just feels that way coming off those two pitching gems back-to-back.
The Royals’ record falls to 8-6 with this ugly lose, and snaps a 2-game winning streak. Next up are the Angels of Anahiem, for another one of these shortened 2-game series. And then it is off to Oakland, for a 3 game series over the weekend with the Athletics.
