As expected, things went from bad to worse for the Yanks last night, as the spirited Royals pounded the Bombers’ bullpen into submission in front of their largest crowd of the season. (Remember, Bill James told Mark McGrath that they hate New York even more in Kansas City than they do in Boston.) The Royals hit 11 doubles, and the Yanks added 8 to set a major league single-game record.

It was another infuriating loss for Yankee fans. (If you want to feel worse, read Mike Lupica’s “I-told-you-so” rant in today’s Daily News.) This was definitely one of those games that cost me some sleep, I won’t lie. Even though the Yanks cranked out nine runs, it wasn’t enough (the final score: Royals 12, Yanks 9). Looks like those baserunning blunders were costly after all. As bad as the Yanks were, I’d be remiss if I didn’t credit the Royals, who lived up to their scrappy reputation. They are not unlike the Angels were last year: aggresive, opportunistic, and essentially likable.

Hey, at least Buck O’Neil and Bill James and Rob Neyer had a good night.

Brett Prinz made his Yankee debut in the 8th and was touched up pretty good. Antonio Osuna left the team to be with his ailing mother. There is no word yet as to whether David Wells will miss any time with his creaky back.

Again, the silver lining was that the Red Sox lost. Tim Hudson, the A’s hard luck ace, pitched a two-hitter, and Oakland beat Boston, 4-0. (Both hits didn’t leave the infield.) Pedro Martinez threw 101 pitches in just five innings, allowing two runs. Boston still trails New York by three games.