LAKE WALES, Fla. – Falling behind early in games has been the Achilles heel for the Royals baseball team this season, and that was evident again on Wednesday afternoon. The Royals dropped their fifth straight to the Mustangs of Morningside College (Iowa) 9-4. With the loss, the Royals now sit at 5-15 on the 2015 season.
Anthony Dovale knocked out a solo homerun in the bottom of the fifth inning to cut the Mustangs lead to 4-1 as the senior looked to spark his team's comeback. The visitors drove in five more runs in the seventh and eighth innings to extend their lead to 9-1. The Royals were able to score three runs in the final two innings, including Dovale's second homerun of the game, but it was too little too late.
Dovale finished 3-for-3 at the dish on Wednesday, and had the best offensive performance for the Royals in the game. Torri Pringle finished the game going 2-for-4 with a walk. Catcher, George Kirkland continued to stay hot going 2-for-5 with an RBI. The Royals offense combined for nine hits in the loss.
Jose Hernandez (0-2) took his second loss of the season in his 10th appearance for the Royals. Hernandez allowed three runs on three hits in his two innings of work. Five other Royals pitchers made an appearance on Wednesday. The staff combined to allow nine runs on 14 hits and recording seven strike outs.
The Royals will hit the road on Friday, March 6 and head to Miami Gardens, Fla. to take on the Lions of Florida Memorial University in a three game Sun Conference series. Friday's game is schedule for a 3 p.m. first pitch. The two teams will then return on Saturday, March 7 for a double header set to begin at 12 p.m.
