Bad luck in the sixth inning on Thursday night at Oakland Coliseum cost the Royals and starting pitcher Jason Hammel in a 4-1 loss to the Athletics.
The inning had the makings of a disaster from the start. A bird swooped toward the field, left fielder Alex Gordon’s head in its sights, as Gordon tried to chase down a fly ball that he couldn't pick out against the twilight sky.
Paulo Orlando, recalled before the game to take the 25-man roster spot of traded outfielder Jon Jay, came in with the save, making the catch just behind Gordon’s back.