If being the best of the worst means anything, then the Royals should brag about that distinction. The American League’s worst team completed a three game sweep of the Pirates, the National League’s worst, winning 15-7 Thursday.
The win gave the Royals their second series sweep of the year and marked a season-high fourth straight victory.
The two basement teams showed their true colors playing a very sloppy game that included four errors, 13 walks, nine unearned runs, two wild pitches, and three hit batsmen.
Pirates starter Paul Maholm walked five of those batters en route to giving up seven runs – six earned – on six hits in 4.1 innings taking the loss.
Roberto Hernandez, the fourth of five Pirate pitchers, gave up four runs – none earned – in an inning pitched.
The Royals got three RBIs apiece from Emil Brown and Tony Graffanino. Esteban German and Graffanino both had three hits in the game.
Scott Elarton won just his third game of the season giving up four runs – one earned – on six hits in 5.2 innings.
Kansas City improved to 22-49 and has won six of their last eight.
