The Royals went all out for the pregame festivities for the Saturday’s Independence Day game.
An oversized U.S. flag required about two dozen handlers when it was unfurled in the Kauffman Stadium outfield. The Royals starters gave veterans autographed Royals caps. The national anthem was played by The 312th Army Band and there was a flyover from two F-16s.
The good vibes, however, faded fast as the Minnesota Twins jumped on Royals starter Joe Blanton early and won 5-3.
Two of the first four pitches from Blanton on Saturday were strikes. Unfortunately, the first was lined to left by Brian Dozier for a single.