The losing streak is now 16 games for the Royals after an 11-3 loss to the Mariners in Seattle Monday. 19-year old rookie pitcher Felix Hernandez held Kansas City in check with a three-hit, eight-inning performance. Hernandez’s only earned run of the game came in the top of the seventh, when Angel Berroa reached on a fielder’s choice and Mike Sweeney scored from third base.
Hernandez (2-1) finished with 11 strikeouts and one walk. He has an ERA of 0.86 since being called up to the majors on August 4.
Meanwhile, Royals starter Runelvys Hernandez (8-11) lasted six innings and was charged with six runs off eight hits and two walks
Down 11-1 in the ninth, the Royals scored on a two-run double from Terrence Long, but that’s where the rally ended.
Four players–Ichiro Suzuki, Willie Bloomquist, Mike Morse and Richie Sexson—drove in two runs apiece. Suzuki, Morse and Sexson all hit two-run home runs.
The Royals’ losing streak is leading them into historical territory. They currently hold the second-longest skid in the American League in the last 30 years. The 1988 Orioles, which lost 21 straight to start the season, have the longest losing streak in league history. The Major League record is 23 games, set by the 1961 Phillies.
Royals’ manager Buddy Bell missed Monday’s game to attend the funeral of his nephew Tim Bell who was killed in Iraq earlier this month. Tim Bell was a Lance Cpl. in the Marines.