Royals sign Soria to three-year guaranteed extension with three additional option years

< Previous page

“It was way too soon to look at that stuff,” Soria said, echoing a view he often expressed while building the streak. “I don’t think about that when I got out there. I just try to help my team.”

Soria actually retired the first hitter Friday but, officially, the streak still ends at 16 1/3 innings. Major League rules require a pitcher complete the inning without yielding a run in order to extend a scoreless streak.

Hermida’s homer was just the second extra-base hit against him and also broke a zero-for-23 streak by left-handed hitters.

Soria remains just one of six closers with at least seven save opportunities yet to blow one. His 11-for-11 success also matches the club record to start a season. Al Hrabosky opened 1978 with 11 in a row before blowing opportunity No. 12.

So there’s still a streak to monitor, along with a lot more dollar signs.

Closers: Still perfect in save opportunities

(Through Friday)

Joe Nathan, Twins, 13 for 13

Joakim Soria, Royals, 11 for 11

Mariano Rivera, Yankees, 11 for 11

Brad Lidge, Phillies, 10 for 10

Matt Capps, Pirates, 9 for 9

B.J. Ryan, Blue Jays, 7 for 7

Royals’ closers: Perfect at the start

Pitcher, year, successful saves to start a season

Joakim Soria*, 2008, 11

Al Hrabosky, 1978, 11

Mike MacDougal, 2003, 10

Steve Farr, 1989, 10

Steve Mingori, 1976, 10

* Through Friday

< Previous page

To reach Bob Dutton, call 816-234-4352 or send e-mail to bdutton@kcstar.com.