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Game CXXXV Open Thread - Cleveland Racists at Kansas City Royals (6:10 CST)

It'd be nice to be good again.

By J.K. Ward
Jamie Squire

The Kansas City Royals have lost four of their last six. The last time this occurred was July 18th thru the 23rd, when they backed up a four game losing streak out of the All-Star Break to take two games on their way to a 16-3 stretch.

But this game is bigger than that. Bigger than quelling a rough stretch where the Royals have scored two or fewer runs four times in the past week. Bigger than getting their first win since the Bruce Chen Era. Bigger than Jesus.

Well, maybe not that last one. No, no, definitely not that last one.

This is Battle #625 in the Royals' quest to snuff out racism. So far, hatred is winning, to the tune of a 304-320 record. No more. No longer. This far, no farther. And Big Game James should make them pay for what they've done.

Shields, overall, has been exceptional since the All-Star break. Though he is just 3-2, because PITCHER WINS, he owns a 2.98 ERA in 54.2 innings. His K/9 is a bit troubling, with just a rate of 5.96, but he's been limiting the walks (1.99 BB/9). So there's that.

Trevor Bauer, on the other hand, has been on a rough road. Since the Break, he's sporting a 4.73 ERA and a 2-3 record, but he's been striking people out (8.67 per 9) and may have finally figured out how not to walk every Tom, Dick, and Mark Quinn that comes to the plate (3.74 walks per 9).

Still though, it'd be good if the Royals can strike a blow for decency and justice. They have the right pitcher on the mound to do it. If I could offer a mantra to the Royals, it would be thus:

I will not sacrifice the Playoffs.
We've made too many compromises already; too many retreats.
They invade our stadium, and we fall back.
They assimilate entire series and we fall back.
Not again. The line must be drawn here.

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