The Royals are nowhere close to being in the playoff picture, but they’ve still managed to get a magic number. Five is Kansas City’s magic number and it represents the amount of wins they must get in the final 10 games to avoid a third straight 100-loss season.
The American League Central’s worst team had their best chance to get a couple victories during a two-game series with the Angels. After a game 1 loss, the Royals had one last opportunity against Anaheim before having to play the Tigers, Twins, and Tigers again to close out the season.
Royals starter Odalis Perez watched his solid performance go for naught. Perez tossed seven innings of one run ball giving up six hits and striking out three. His seven innings of work was the longest a Royals starter has lasted in the last 10 games.
Unfortunately for Perez, the Kansas City offense failed to show up. They managed five hits in the game and struck out nine times. Kelvim Escobar earned his 11th win of the season allowing four hits and walking just one batter in seven innings. Francisco Rodriguez pitched the ninth for the save.
Orlando Cabrera had two hits and all three RBI for the Angels.
The Royals have 10 more games left in the season, but manager Buddy Bell is already done managing. Bell was forced to take a leave of absence after doctors found a growth near his left tonsil that needs to be removed as soon as possible. Bench coach Billy Doran will take over for Bell the rest of the year.