The Boston Red Sox checked out at halftime.
For 4 1/2 innings Saturday, the Red Sox looked like a legitimate threat capable of riding a strong series against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium toward bigger and better things. Then, reality struck in the form of a Rick Porcello collapse and a 7-4 loss to the defending American League champs.
The Red Sox blew a 4-1 lead en route to their 40th defeat of the season. They also lost both third baseman Pablo Sandoval and catcher Blake Swihart to injuries amid their meltdown, which fittingly was capped by David Ortiz being ejected in the seventh inning after arguing balls and strikes with home plate ump…