Royals Win Fourth Straight, Beat Orioles 6-5

Charlie Sheen would be proud of all the winning going on in Kansas City these days. After sweeping the Minnesota Twins at home for the first time since 1994, the Royals kept the momentum going in a 6-5 win over Baltimore. The victory over the Orioles moves Kansas City's record to 16-13 on the season, and the Royals currently sit comfortably in second place in the struggling AL Central.

Kansas City has participated in several thrilling extra-inning contests this season, and last night's game was yet another nail-biter decided late. Jeff Francoeur ended up being the hero, tying the game with a home run in the sixth inning and hitting a sacrifice fly in tenth that gave the Royals the win. Francoeur is having a strong season, hitting for a .315 average with 7 HRs and 23 RBI. He was a very smart free agent pickup (I guess the Royals were finally due for one) who has helped spark Kansas City's offense while also providing much-needed veteran leadership.

Unfortunately for Kansas City, Jeff Francis continued to struggle. Francis is now winless in his seven starts this season, and has been shelled in his last couple of outings. If the Royals want to keep winning into the summer and make a surprise run at a playoff position, they will need Francis and other starting pitchers to consistently pitch well.

Changes Coming to Hwy 50 in Lee's Summit

Two fatal crashes last fall have led to the Missouri Department of Transportation taking action to improve safety on US 50 in Lee's Summit. Both accidents were of the head-on crossover variety. Soon after, there was a call for the installation of guard cable between the east and westbound lanes.

Steel guard cables are an extremely effective in preventing injuries and fatalities in crossover accidents. They consist of a strong steel cable run between posts to prevent vehicles from crossing the median into oncoming traffic. Rarely does a collision with the cable lead to any injuries, let alone fatalities. They have been used successfully since the 1960's, but their use has really taken off since the mid 90's. Cable barriers are also relatively low cost.

Installation of the barriers in Lee's Summit started on Monday. The left lanes of both directions will be closed during evening hours (after 7PM) while the work is being completed. The cables will be installed in the median of Hwy 50 between I-470 and the 3rd Street Exit. As an additional safety precaution, the speed limit has been lowered on US 50 between 470 and Todd George Rd. The Maximum speed has dropped from 65 to 60 effective Tuesday, May 3rd.

Recent Fatal crashes on KS 10 in Johnson County have led for calls to install the system there as well. KDOT is currently studying the problem at that location.

Kansas City Museum and Powell Gardens Workshop

Powell Gardens Horticulturist Leads Gardening Workshop Tuesday, May 10, 10 am $10 It's that time of year -- unearth your green thumb and bring it along during our gardening workshop. Anne Wildeboor, horticulturist at Powell Gardens, will discuss which annuals and perennials make good container plantings for our climate in both sun and shade. Wildeboor will also demonstrate the best planting techniques and discuss care and maintenance of your blooms. Register here The Kansas City Museum's wisteria-lined pergola provides the perfect backdrop for next week's Gardening Workshop. Learn more Hop on your motorcycle and enjoy Missouri's scenery with tour leader Michael Bushnell. You'll ride through such historic spots as Fort Osage, Lexington and Lone Jack, Mo. Register here Hawgs 'n History Inaugural Ride  Saturday, May 21, 10 am - 2 pm $25, lunch included If you're passionate about motorcycles and history, Kansas City Museum has an event just for you. Join our inaugural Hawgs ‘n History ride with local historian and Harley Davidson enthusiast Michael Bushnell. You'll enjoy a leisurely 100-mile ride through the beautiful Missouri countryside with stops at some of the region’s historically significant spots such as Fort Osage, Lexington, Mo. Civil War battlefield, Lone Jack, Mo. and the historic Rice-Tremonti Home. Sign up today Discover Scarritt Renaissance Neighborhood with a Walk and Talk Sunday, May 15, 2 -4 pm $5, $15 for groups of four Visit some of Kansas City's most notable architecture within the historic Scarritt Renaissance Neighborhood during the Summer Walk and Talk series. Author and historian Michael Bushnell will lead the walk through Scarritt Renaissance which boasts some of the oldest homes in the city. Register now Enjoy architecture and history with a Walk and Talk through the Scarritt Renaissance Neighborhood.

Kansas City Museum
3218 Gladstone Blvd. | Kansas City, MO 64123
(816) 483-8300 | kansascitymuseum.org

Royals Back in Action After Sweeping Twins

After losing six straight, many felt that the Royals' annual collapse had begun. However, Kansas City rebounded in a big way by sweeping the Minnesota Twins, a team the Royals struggle against every season. Kansas City is back in action tonight against Baltimore.

Tonight's game features two struggling pitchers. Jeff Francis survived only three innings in his latest outing, and has pitched poorly after a strong start to the season. The Royals need him to get back on track; while the Royals' offense has been redhot, its starting pitching has been suspect all season. Francis has a great opportunity to turn it around tonight, facing winless Brad Bergensen.

The Royals' sweep of the Twins got Kansas City back above .500 (the club currently sits at 15-13 for the season) and gave the team a much-needed boost of confidence. The Orioles are average at best, and Kansas City has a great opportunity to continue its hot streak and gain some ground on the red hot Cleveland Indians.

Kansas City Zoo Events - Flights for Flippers

Dueling Pianos, Polar Bears, and Prizes at The Zoo!
by Kansas City News

Come out to The Kansas City Zoo after work on Wednesday May 18th and celebrate "Flights for Flippers", a charity event to benefit, well, animals with flippers.  The event will be fully stocked with great atmosphere, cold beer, wine tasting, savory appetizers from Ciao Bella, visit Nikita at Polar Bear Passage, enter to win fabulous prizes like a Kansas City Royals Prize Pack, a 2011 FOTZ Membership, a Gift Certificate to Ciao Bella plus...

DUELING PIANOS!
That's right folks, dueling pianos at The Zoo!  We will have lots of fun so don't miss out.  These guys are amazing!

Tickets are $20 for Friends of the Zoo (FOTZ) Members and $30 for Non-FOTZ Members. Become a Friends of the Zoo (FOTZ) Member Today to earn the $10 per person discount to Flights for Flippers! 

This event is sponsored by Friends of the Zoo, Adam Blue Productions, and Ciao Bella.

***Please note that this is a 21 and older event. No refunds will be given after registration closes; however, you may transfer your tickets to another name.

Location
Kansas City Zoo
6800 Zoo Dr.
Kansas City, MO  64132
map

Contact Information
Marketing
marketing@fotzkc.org
816.513.5800

PURCHASE TICKETS HERE