Let's try this little exercise. I'm writing this portion at the conclusion of the fourth inning:
After tying the game at one run apiece in the top of the third, the Mariners plated two runs in the bottom of the fourth. Those two runs would put the Mariners ahead for good.
Despite having been hit with a liner off the bat of Eric Hosmer in the top of the fourth, Felix Hernandez would complete seven-plus innings striking out ten Royals en route to allowing two runs. The Royals would threaten a couple of times after starter Will Smith ceded the lead to Seattle, but those threats would prove to be all the Royals could muster. Threats without substantive damage done.
The only damage done today would be to the respective psyches of every Royals fan that watched this game.
Updated portion:
Of course, the Royals tied the game scoring three runs in the top of the eighth only to have Yuniesky Betancourt (why is he on this team?) strand Eric Hosmer at third courtesy of the ol' backwards-K. Jose Mijares immediately gave up a ripped double off the outfield wall from the bat of Mike Carp. Trayvon Robinson bunted at Mijares in the next at-bat, who promptly threw the ball away, plating pinch-runner Munenori Kawasaki and giving the Mariners the lead right back. Trayvon Robinson later scored on a Casper Wells grounder with eyes giving the Mariners a two-run lead. Tom Wilhelmsen eventually shut the door on the Royals in the ninth after allowing the typical meaningless ninth inning run.
In the losing effort, the Royals managed ten singles, three walks, and six runs. Escobar, Hosmer, and Perez each had two hits. Cain, and Betancourt were hitless.
The Mariners swept a four-game home series for the first time since 2001.
Kansas City Royals baseball: Letting other teams make history for 27 years.