Royals slump hits five

 

That’s the way the Armena Royals are approaching the final week of the season, said third baseman Jason Buzzell.

 

“Win and we keep playing, lose and the season’s over. I’d rather have it this way anyway,” he joked following another heartbreaking 3-1 loss in Leduc Friday night.

 

Now the Royals are one loss away from ending their 2009 campaign, a season of promise after going 4-4 to the midway point, only to lose five in a row, including four straight by a combined seven runs.

 

Still, as unlikely as it might seem, the team still kind of controls its own destiny. But it’s hard to talk about winning three games in a row for a team that’s only managed eight runs in its last four games.

 

And that’s been the story of this losing streak. Very few hits and definitely no clutch pokes. Runners left in scoring position, the middle of the lineup going o-for and too many easy outs for their opponents. When they do hit the ball – it’s right at people. Add in a couple untimely mishaps and it’s been the perfect recipe for a disappointing end to the season. 

 

To rub a little salt on the wound, the team’s field is a mudpit after last week, which could force the Royals to end the season on the road, ala the Montreal Expos’ Peurto Rico endeavour – without the warm sunny beaches of course.

 

“Are we being shopped around to be relocated?” quipped a glum Cody Sroka while sipping a beer, and watching the orange sun fade over the Queen E.2.

 

The Royals can only hope the sun hasn’t set on their season as well.

 

Posted on July 11, 2009 by Jason Buzzell