Fountain Blow: Royals 5, Phillies 1

If the Phillies were excited about making their first trip to Kansas City in twelve years, they didn’t show it on the field. Perhaps they were mesmerized by the famous Kauffman Stadium fountains, but the team turned in a disappointing performance as they dropped the series opener to the Royals 5-1.

Alex Gordon was a hot shot rookie for the Royals the last time the Phillies came to town. He struggled in that series, going just 1-9, but he more than made up for it in this one. His two-run home run in the first inning would ultimately prove to be all the offense the Royals would need. That didn’t stop him from adding another solo shot in the fifth.

Starting pitcher Jake Arrieta gave up three total home runs in the game, while the Phillies’ hitters couldn’t get much going against the Royals’ pitching staff. Matched against unimpressive starter Homer Bailey, the Phillies only managed two hits through the first five innings.

In the sixth, the Phillies’ offense finally showed some life. The first two batters singled, ending Bailey’s night. Scott Barlow entered the game and proceeded to dominate the Phillies’ hitters. He faced seven batters; one of them walked, while the other six struck out.

Things didn’t get better after Barlow departed. Jake Diekman and Ian Kennedy limited the Phillies to one walk over the final two innings.

Losing a series opener is nothing new for the Phillies, as they’re now 1-7 over the past eight series. The good news is that they have generally gone on to play well in the remainder of the games. So there’s hope that they’ll rebound tomorrow and capture their first win in Kansas City since 2007.