Winning on the road is hard for any team. It’s practically mission impossible for the Royals.
After enjoying the friendly confines of Kauffman Stadium for three games, the Royals are now back on the road for a seven game trip. The first stop, Camden Yards to face the Orioles Friday. Just like 14 other times this year the Royals lost. The Orioles came out on top 6-5.
The part that pains the Royals the most about this latest tragedy is the fact that they held the lead twice in the ballgame.
After taking a 1-0 lead in the second, Royals starter Runelvys Hernandez gave up a three-run homer to Corey Patterson.
The Royals eventually shook that off in the sixth. After Reggie Sanders singled and Emil Brown doubled to lead off the inning, the Orioles brought in reliever Sendy Rleal to replace starter Erik Bedard. He didn’t fair much better. The next batter, Tony Graffanino, singled home Sanders. Angel Berroa followed that with another RBI single and the Royals tied the game before there were any outs. Catcher John Buck nearly killed the rally spirit hitting into a double play. Strangely enough, the Royals had more life left in the inning scoring two more runs before it was over to take a 5-3 lead.
But… in true Royals fashion the lead didn’t last long. It didn’t even last half an inning. Hernandez promptly walked out to the mound, allowed three runners to reach base, and then exited the game leaving a mess for reliever Andrew Sisco to clean up. Sisco eventually got out of the inning, but not before allowing the Orioles to tie the game at five with two runs in the bottom of the sixth.
The game remained tied until Elmer Dessens gave up an RBI single to a recent minor league call-up Brandon Fahey in the eighth. The Orioles led 6-5 and the final blow was dealt to the Royals. Chris Ray closed the game for the Orioles earning his ninth save of the season.
The Royals are 8-8 at home, but an awful 2-15 on the road. They are 10-23 overall and in last place in the American League Central.