Royals return home for 10-game stand against Yankees, Twins, Indians, Rangers

The Royals ended a productive road trip on a deflating note. The bats never woke up for Sunday’s 2 p.m. start time. Scott Baker, a spot starter for the lowly Rangers, handcuffed them for five innings, and the offense never got going.

Because Detroit won, the Royals’ lead in the American League Central shrank back to two games. Kansas City expanded its division advantage by 1 ½ games during this road trip. They have another chance to gain ground on a 10-game stand at Kauffman Stadium.

After a makeup game with the Yankees on Monday, the Royals host the Twins, Indians and Rangers. During that same span, the Tigers play the Yankees, White Sox and the Indians. The Royals and Tigers meet again on Sept. 8 in Detroit.

ONE NIGHT ONLY

Here is the pitching matchup for the makeup game:

Monday, 6:10 p.m.: RHP James Shields (12-6, 3.28 ERA) vs. RHP Michael Pineda (2-2, 2.05 ERA).

FROM THE STAR

Really, the less written about Sunday’s game, the better.

One more link to the Alex Gordon story from Sunday.

THE ROYALS’ PLAYOFF PERCENTAGE (ACCORDING TO BASEBALL PROSPECTUS)

72.8 percent.

THE LEAD ON DETROIT IN THE AMERICAN LEAGUE CENTRAL

Two games.

HERE IS SOME ROCK MUSIC

“K.C. Zombie” by Wildcat Apollo.

This story was originally published August 25, 2014 at 9:13 AM.