Winning streaks can only last so long. Otherwise, they wouldn’t really be “streaks.” The Kansas City Royals recently saw the end of a ten-game winning streak that had temporarily catapulted them into first place in the AL Central. Going into last night’s game, I had a winning streak of my own, in which the Royals won each of the last four games I attended at Kauffman Stadium. That run also came to an end last night, as the Royals proved unable to provide any run support for Danny Duffy’s solid quality start. They lost 2-0 to the Los Angeles Dodgers.
About the only consolation regarding the Royals’ hitting last night was that Clayton Kershaw did not manage to notch his second consecutive no-hitter. The Royals eked out six hits over the course of the game — scattered hits — no more than two in a single inning. We kept hoping for them to string something together, but the rally proved elusive last night.
Attending a ballgame is never a bust of an evening, however. For the ceremonial first pitch last night, we got to witness this young fan reunite with his dad, who had spent the last year in the Middle East with the Air Force.
It was also T-shirt Tuesday, and while they had run out of shirts by the time I got there (an hour early, even!), the friend I met up with had arrived half-an-hour before I did. Not wanting to add yet another shirt to her wardrobe, she graciously allowed me to have hers. After the game, I picked up a few more abandoned souvenir cups to add to my ever-growing collection. By the time I walked out of the stadium, my hands were full.
There’s more to attending a ballgame than just T-shirts and souvenirs, of course. Kauffman Stadium is one of my favorite places in the world to spend a few hours of my time. The atmosphere relaxes me, from the smell of unhealthy food and beer, to the lush green of the outfield grass, to the fountain display beyond the outfield fence, to just being surrounded by baseball. And really, it doesn’t even have to be Kauffman Stadium. Just being in close proximity to the dirt infield of a Little League diamond relaxes me. My favorite team just happens to reside at the K, and I feel lucky to be able to root for them in such a great stadium.
Maybe tonight will be the start of another winning streak.
Always liked Kaufman (both the guy and the stadium) and would not be upset if they put him in the HofF. No worries about losing to Kershaw, that just happens. And loved the first pitch story. Thanks for posting it.
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Yep, you’re a baseball fan, Precious! You’re enjoying what Shoeless Joe author W.P. Kinsella calls ‘the thrill of the grass.’ 🙂
The Royals’ offense has largely disappeared of late, scoring one run or less in four of their last five losses. That’s unfortunate for Kansas City’s starting pitchers, who allowed only 2 runs or less in four of those five losses. Great pitching, no offense. Let’s hope things turn around soon. Thanks for another great post!
Yes, the offense was definitely a nightmare, but it seems to be coming back these last couple of games! Can’t complain about a victory last night — and a grand slam for the home team is always exciting.
Is the kid wearing the t-shirt version they handed out? It’s nice with the grey backround, but all that aside, great post and ideally, the streak reminds the Royals how good they are.
No, the T-shirt was royal blue with the “KC” logo blown up on the front of it. Very simple, and pretty cool for its simplicity. And yes, as you mentioned in one of your posts, it’s a marathon season, and things can take unexpected turns. Keeping the streak in mind will help them plow through things