Soria on the wings of eagles, Royals lose 3-2

The reminder that this season is, or at least that it has become, is about the past, and the present, and how to find joy in the little things. Things like a sterling effort from Danny Duffy, or a nice catch by Jarrod Dyson, or in the case of today's game, a home run by Alex Gordon.It was a two-run shot, deep into right field on a vintage Gordon swing, all forearms and wrists and muscle.

Ian Kennedy provided another moment, six innings of one-hit ball with nine strikeouts. You don't get to see many of those as a Royals fan, though they seem to be plentiful in this series.

You have to remember those moments, to cling to them. Because most of what is left for us is losing, and losing in painful ways.

Joakim Soria gave up a three-run home run in the eighth inning to give Tampa the lead. The Royals had loaded the bases in the top half of the inning, but were unable to make anything out of their opportunity. They did pinch-run for Kendrys Morales on first, with two runners ahead of him, and then proceeded to try and hit sacrifice flies. It didn't work.

Paulo Orlando singled to start the ninth as well. Billy Burns struck out, but Lorenzo Cain singled into shallow left center to put two on with one out. Alcides Escobar then stepped to the plate. He hit a check swing ground ball and was thrown out at first. The runners moved up, and Cheslor Cuthbert stepped in. Colome struck him out to end the game. Kansas City split the four-game series with Tampa.

The Royals now come home for a six-game homestand, kicking off with three against Toronto. Dillon Gee (3-5, 4.66 ERA) will tilt against the recently-acquired Francisco Liriano (6-11, 5.46).