KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals tied a club record after losing 5-3 to the Toronto Blue Jays on Sunday at Kauffman Stadium.
The Royals (3-12, 0-9 home) have now lost nine straight home games to start the 2012 season. That ties the record for most consecutive home losses set in 2006.
Toronto (9-6, 5-1 away) struck first, scoring four runs on four hits in the fifth inning off Royals lefty Danny Duffy (1-2, 3.63 ERA).
Duffy pitched five innings, walked five, and struck out five.
Blue Jays lefty Ricky Romero (3-0, 3.29 ERA) went eight innings. He gave up two runs on five hits, struck out five, and walked two.
With two outs in the eighth inning, Blue Jays catcher J.P. Arencibia stole second base. Royals catcher Humberto Quintero tried unsuccessfully to throw him out. This allowed third baseman Brett Lawrie to steal home, and gave the Jays a 5-2 lead.
A brief rally attempt was thwarted when Royals catcher Brayan Pena hit into a double play to end the game.
Royals lefty Bruce Chen (0-1, 2.00 ERA) will face off against Blue Jays starter Brandon Morrow (0-1, 4.50 ERA) on Monday night as the Royals try to avoid their 11th straight loss.
