There has never been a four-game stretch in MLB history like the Royals just had

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.

Fans of Charles Dickens’ “A Tale of Two Cities” will recognize that line, but it also applies to the Royals’ past four games.

Let’s start with the good: the Royals pitching staff has been incredible this week, having allowed two runs in the last three games. Heading into Thursday’s game at Washington, the Royals haven’t allowed a run in their last 26 innings, which is a franchise record.

The Royals have needed the outstanding pitching, because they’ve scored just eight runs in their last seven games.

And that’s the bad. The Royals had a streak of 27 innings in which they didn’t score at all. That was snapped Tuesday in the 10th inning of a 1-0 win over the Nationals thanks to a runner being placed at second in extra innings.

OptaStats noted the Royals’ past four games are unlike any since the designated hitter was introduced in 1973. That’s a span of 51 years.

“No other MLB team has ever had a 25+ inning scoreless streak both hitting and pitching in a 4-game span with the DH being used,” Opta wrote in a message on X.

It you think it’s been a weird week for the Royals, you’re not wrong.