Royals Blow Huge Lead

Game Date: August 23, 2006
Game Score: Indians 15, Royals 13 / Box Score
WP: Betancourt (2–4), LP: Sisco (1–3), SV: Mastny (2)
Royal Home Runs: Grudzielanek (7), Sweeney (3)
Royals Record: 46-82

The worst part about blowing a nine run lead is that people have come to expect it from the Royals. Not that we’ve done it often. In fact, it’s never happened before in Royals’ history. I’m sure you’ll catch snide remarks if you can stomach watching clips of the fiasco on ESPN or if you listen to sports radio. But even the remarks will have an inherent “what do you expect?” attitude.

The Royals spotted Jorge De La Rosa to a 10–1 lead in the first inning and he couldn’t get out of the fourth inning. Here’s his awful line: 6 ER, 6 H, 1 BB, 1 K, 3 HR in 3.1 IP. I don’t take much solace in this fact, but at least he didn’t walk the bases full before giving up all the long balls.

With the exception of Jimmy Gobble and Joel Peralta, we couldn’t figure out how to get the Indians out. After scoring once in the opening frame, they scored two runs in the third inning, three runs in the fourth inning, one run in the fifth inning, two runs in the sixth inning, four more runs in the ninth inning, and they struck a final blow with two more in the tenth.

The Royals used seven pitchers. Todd Wellemeyer, who is being worked to death, gave up three runs. Joe Nelson gave up four runs. Burgos blew the save (big surprise there, huh?). And Sisco gave up two runs.

This prompted me to look up our team pitching statistics. Check this out:

• Our team ERA is 5.73, which ranks last in baseball—by far. Baltimore is ranked 29th with a 5.28 ERA.

• Our BAA is .291, which ranks last in baseball, by far. Pittsburgh is ranked 29th with a .285 BAA.

• We’ve walked 507 guys, which ranks second to last in baseball. Only the Cubs are worse.

• We are tied for second to last in complete games (1).

• We’ve struck out a total of 683 guys, which ranks last in baseball—by far. Colorado is ranked 29th with 727.

• Our strike out to walk ratio is 1.25, which ranks last in baseball—by far. Tampa Bay is ranked 29th with a 1.61 strike out to walk ratio.

• We’ve blown 25 saves, which ranks last in baseball.

• We’ve given up 172 home runs. We are tied for last with Cincinnati.

• Teams have an OPS of .844 against us, which ranks us last in baseball—by far. Baltimore is ranked 29th with an .814 OPS against.

• We’ve thrown more wild pitches (67) than any other team in the major leagues.

• We’ve balked eight times, which is tied for the most in the major leagues.

• Our WHIP is 1.60, which ranks us last in baseball—by far. Tampa Bay is ranked 29th with a 1.55 WHIP.

We have the worst pitching staff in baseball. Sad but true.

Unfortunately, said bad pitching overshadowed an unbelievable night at the plate for several of our hitters. Mark Teahen had four more hits. Mike Sweeney was 4-for-6. And Emil Brown was 3-for-6. Thirteen runs just weren’t enough last night.

Tonight, the Royals send Mark Redman (7–8, 5.79) against C.C. Sabathia (8–8, 3.29). Redman is 5–1 against Cleveland in his career with a 2.86 ERA. Sabathia is 10–6 against the Royals with a 3.33 ERA.