KC Royals Danny Duffy Implodes in 8-2 Loss to Rangers

Throughout the opening stretch of the 2015 season, the KC Royals have proven themselves capable of handling every obstacle that has come their way; every one, that is, except an ineffective Danny Duffy.

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Coming off an appearance where he surrendered four runs in just one inning of work in what was arguably his worst performance as a professional, Duffy did little on Monday night in Texas to right the ship.  In 3.2 innings, the 26 year old left hander surrendered six runs on five hits to a Texas team looking to recover from a wobbly beginning to 2015.

The night started auspiciously for Duffy as the Rangers wasted little time capitalizing on his newfound lack of command and confidence.  The Rangers plated four runs in the second inning on just two hits as they were aided by four Danny Duffy walks.

The Royals stirred to life in the top of inning number four against Ranger’s starter Colby Lewis as Alcides Escobar singled to lead off the inning and then Mike Moustakas, fresh off of the Bereavement List, followed with a walk.  The Royals would only get one run, however, as Moustakas, trying to score from second base with two outs on a single by Kendrys Morales was thrown out at home by a perfect dart from Rangers center fielder Leonys Martin.

Duffy’s night would end a couple of innings later as Adrian Beltre blasted a two-run home run to push the Rangers lead to 6-1.  With a five run cushion, Texas was well on their way towards handing the Royals their second consecutive series opening loss.  Final score: Rangers 8, Royals 2.

While Danny Duffy will certainly be the focal point of this game as he has now surrendered ten runs and issued six walks in his last 4.2 innings pitched, tonight’s game was a troubling display for a team looking to keep the foot on the throat of a scuffling Ranger’s squad. For the second consecutive night, the Royals offense was noticeably absent (3 runs in the last two games).  Colby Lewis, who had endured a shaky start to the 2015 campaign, barely broke a sweat in pitching 7 innings of one run ball for a Texas team badly needing a shot in the arm. Even the vaunted Royals defense appeared mortal tonight in committing an error and failing to turn a double play in the early innings when the outcome of this game was still in question.

Was tonight’s performance the consequence of the late-night/early morning finish in Detroit, or are there other, more troubling factors at play for the Royals?  While Royals Nation certainly hopes for the former, the possibility of dinks appearing in the Royals armor cannot be discounted.  Danny Duffy looks utterly lost on the mound (it should be noted that Duffy does have options), the bullpen got beat around a little tonight as Pino and Morales both surrendered solo home runs, and the Royals continued to demonstrate a severe lack of plate discipline (2 walks/ 7 strikeouts).

The only positives to glean from tonight’s performance is that the Royals are still in first place and the core of the bullpen remained fresh and is ready for Tuesday night. The Royals will hope that a good night’s sleep will be the pill that cures the ills that they displayed on Monday night.

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