With so much focus on some sort of consecutive inning scoreless streak, let’s breakdown the latest Royals loss by the numbers.
0
Runs scored by the Royals.
You already knew that.
1
Strikeout recorded by Ian Kennedy.
This is notable because he has now run his consecutive start streak with at least one strikeout to 264, which is the longest active streak to begin a career. That’s some kind of statistic. It’s mentioned here only because with the Royals so intent on turning back the clock to 2007, it seems fitting to mention a statistical nugget that would have garnered a considerable amount of attention in those darkest of days.
While Kennedy is collecting records or achievements that mean little in the large picture, he has failed to navigate through at least five innings in each of his last three starts. It was a horrible month of August for Kennedy with a 9.57 ERA.
2
Hits by the Royals, both recorded by Lorenzo Cain.
Cain doubled with one out in the fourth and actually advanced to third when Melky Cabrera lines out to right. Imagine that. Being 90 feet from touching home. Ahhhh… dreams. Cain also collected a two-bagger with two down in the ninth. Such a tease.
3
Times the Royals came up with runners in scoring position.
Spoiler alert: They did not collect a hit in such situations on Monday.
4
Runs allowed by Kevin McCarthy in the ninth.
The bullpen largely held the Rays in check until the final frame when McCarthy allowed four runs to push the final margin to 12. They have now lost their last four games by a collective score of 32-0. Tidy!
6
Number of pitches seen by Alcides Escobar in three plate appearances.
He swung at four of them. I am over watching Escobar attempt to impersonate a major league hitter.
12
The margin of defeat.
For the second consecutive game.
14
Times the Royals have been shutout this season.
Surprise! That’s the most in baseball this year.
17
Ian Kennedy’s Game Score on Monday.
It was his lowest Game Score of 2017. With an opt out decision looming this fall, I’m starting to think the Royals may be on the hook for the next three years. This is not a positive development.
19
The number of times the Royals have come up with runners in scoring position since their last hit in that situation.
So much futility.
43
Consecutive scoreless innings.
The major league record is 48, shared by the 1906 Philadelphia Athletics and the 1968 Chicago Cubs. Will Ned Yost shuffle his lineup in an attempt to secure the record? Say, hit Escobar and Gordon at the top of the order so they are guaranteed two plate appearances in the first four innings? Such intrigue!
Tune in tomorrow for a shot at history!