Phillies rally late but fall short in series finale against Royals

By PATRICK GORDON | Managing Editor
@Philabaseball

The Phillies scored four runs in the ninth inning but it proved to not be enough as the Royals won Sunday at Citizens Bank Park, 9-8. 

Sunday's contest looked like a replay of Friday's home opener, except this time the Phillies put together a late rally.

Trailing 9-4 in the ninth, Jimmy Rollins hit a three-run home run to right field and Laynce Nix added an RBI single, but Kelvin Herrera was able to put away Erik Kratz with the tying and go-ahead runs on base to secure the win for the Royals.

Cole Hamels again struggled, allowing eight runs on nine hits over 5 2/3 innings. He also walked four. 

The Phillies raced out to an early 4-0 lead, only to see the Royals score nine unanswered runs prior to the ninth inning. 

Trailing 4-2 in the fifth, Billy Butler hit a grand slam to left field to give the Royals the lead. He finished the day with two hits and seven RBIs.

Michael Young finished finished 4-for-5 in the losing effort. 

- Patrick Gordon is the managing editor of the Philadelphia Baseball Review. Follow him on Twitter @Philabaseball and contact him at pgordon@philadelphiabaseballreview.com.