Royals Drop Another Series

Game Date: May 27, 2009
Detroit @ Kansas City
Tigers 8, Royals 3 / Box Score
WP: Porcello (6-3), LP: Davies (2-4)
KC Home Runs: Teahen (6)
Royals Record: 23-24 / Record in May 11-14

The Royals have had several opportunities this season to build some momentum after something special happens, but they haven’t been able to do it. Last week, they had that magical 9th inning comeback win against the Indians, only to lose the next three games. Then they had the Greinke masterpiece last night, followed by a dud of a game this afternoon.

Kyle Davies hasn’t won a game since April 30. His three previous outings before this afternoon were mediocre to good, but today he struggled, even giving up a home run to Placido Polanco—his first of the season. I don’t want to overstate this, but with Davies being the number three guy, he is the hinge between the top and the bottom of the rotation. With Gil Meche not looking right physically, the Royals need Davies to step up and be the guy he was in the second half of last season.

Mark Teahen laid an egg at third base today. He committed an error that ended up leading to three runs and he misplayed a couple of other balls. I hope this was just a bad game for him and that he’ll shake it off. He had a nice day at the plate, so that counts for something, but the Royals need his glove because they are already struggling defensively.

My take on the Trey Hillman ejection is pretty simple: unless there was intent by Hillman to spit in the umpire’s eye, then it was ridiculous to suspend him for a game. I don’t think anybody really believes Hillman spit in the umpire’s eye on purpose. In the big scheme of things, the one game suspension wasn’t that big of deal. He served the suspension today and the matter is over.

Thankfully the Royals have an off day tomorrow. On Friday night they will begin a new series at home against the White Sox. Brian Bannister (4-1, 2.79) will go up against Clayton Richard (1-0, 3.55). Bannister is 2-3 in his career against the White Sox with a 7.66 ERA in 44.2 IP. Richard is 0-1 against the Royals with a 5.23 ERA in 10.1 IP.