The Kansas City Royals are currently riding a 4-game losing streak heading into the second game of a 3-game set against the Minnesota Twins.
After playing well against the Detroit Tigers, the Royals have looked pedestrian after having been swept by the Chicago White Sox, and losing 6-2 to the Twins in game 1 of their current series.
In fact, aside from two really good offensive performances against the Tigers, all-in-all, Kansas City hasn’t looked like the world-beaters that they’ve been throughout the majority of the season.
In a long season with 162 games, it’s impossible to expect a team to avoid being beaten badly from time to time, regardless of how good they are, but, in KC’s case, they haven’t looked as tight and have been entirely too sloppy in many cases.
Scarier still, acquired ace, Johnny Cueto has himself lost 4-straight starts and has been getting knocked around at an alarming rate. Cueto has some of the best ‘stuff’ in baseball, but over the past several starts, and really since he has joined the Royals, he’s been shaky at best.
As it stands right now, most fans of the Royals have little clue as to who the ALDS game 1 starter should be based on how the staff has pitched recently.
Yordano Ventura looks as though he has regained some of his confidence and command on the mound, but can Ned Yost trust him in the biggest games of a playoff series?
As Kendrys Morales said Tuesday, they might have lost some battles, but the Royals are still winning the war.
That may in fact be the case, as they still maintain a 12-game lead over the Twins for the division crown with roughly three weeks left before the postseason, but the line which fans need to watch carefully is the overall best record in the American League. Toronto, which has a downright scary offense, is now just 4 games back of Kansas City.
The Blue Jays look to be, potentially, the toughest team in the playoffs outside of St. Louis, which has become like the San Antonio Spurs–they just keep winning and hardly anyone outside of their own fanbase even notices.
Is it panic time in Kansas City? For some it is, and many are now wondering if the Royals have already peaked this season and their best baseball in behind them.
It’s still too early to hit the panic button, however. Luckily for Kansas City, they have been so good this season and built such a cushion, a 4-game losing streak isn’t remotely as damaging as would be for a wild card team.
Tickets are available for the next two games of the three game series against the Twins. Visit Tickets For Less for the best deals and seating options in Kauffman Stadium. The team will take on the Seattle Mariners beginning Tuesday, September 22. Get your tickets today and don’t miss your chance to see the Royals close out another incredible regular season.
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