Game Two – Right Back At It
Just because it may be the game’s oldest cliche doesn’t make it any less true – the baseball season is a marathon and not a sprint. Of course it’s an adage everyone goes back to when the excitement of Opening Day is tempered by a tough loss – especially at home.
In Royals history the ballclub has lost on Opening Day at home eleven previous times and yesterday’s loss has made that an even dozen. How have the Royals responded in the past? Overall in such situations the Royals are 6-5 with some memorable wins:
1970 – April 8 (Municipal Stadium – Kansas City)
|
A’s |
0 |
|
|
Royals |
2 |
|
Dick Drago (shown above) tosses a complete game four-hit shutout against future Hall of Famer Catfish Hunter.
1974 – April 6 (Royals Stadium – Kansas City)
|
Twins |
6 |
|
|
Royals |
23 |
|
Stood as the Royals record for runs scored in a single game until September 9, 2004.
1989 – April 5 (Royals Stadium – Kansas City)
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Blue Jays |
1 |
|
|
Royals |
2 |
|
Rookie pitcher Tom Gordon relieves Charlie Leibrandt and collects the final eight outs to capture his first major league win.
Recent history has not been as successful. The Royals have dropped the last four games following home losses on Opening Day, so Game Two is sort of a mixed bag for Kansas City. One of the best aspects of baseball is the fact that you get a chance at quick redemption on the field – no need to stew about a tough loss for a week. The Royals are right back at it Wednesday Night at 7:10 – hope you can make it out to the ballpark to join us!
(Curt Nelson, Director – Royals Hall of Fame)
Royals Then, Now & Forever 