Waiting for the Royals to Come Home

Saturday’s 11-4 loss by the Royals in World Series Game 4 made me feel like the dog in the ubiquitous Budweiser commercial when his master doesn’t return home after a night of partying. Lots of anticipation early, only to dissolve into a night of despair.

(By the way, can you imagine the mess that guy found when he entered his house?)

KC took a 4-1 lead in the third inning and in the process knocked out San Francisco starter Ryan Vogelsong. History bode well for the Royals at that point: in the last 20 years teams are 2-14 in World Series games when their starter doesn’t make it through the third inning.

That record is now 3-14, and this Series comes down to which team can win two of the next three. The Giants have a trump card in Game 5 with their ace Madison Bumgarner, who will go against the struggling James Shields of the Royals. My gut tells me to expect a strong outing from Shields. But if he isn’t effective, Sunday could be another ugly one.

On the positive side of the ledger the Royals were able to rest their Big Three in the bullpen, and Messrs. Herrera, Davis and Holland will be available to pitch in all remaining games. With a day of rest on Monday they may be able to throw some extra innings as well.

Unlike the forsaken Budweiser Labrador, we do know for certain that our guys are coming home. And you know the crowds will be stoked, whether at the K, the Power & Light or the myriad of other viewing venues.

It promises to be a fun week.