KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Had the Red Sox managed to beat the Baltimore Orioles Sunday, Adrian Gonzalez said going hitless in eight at-bats over 17 innings wouldn’t have bothered him too much.

“I’d rather go 0 for 8 and win than go 3 for 5 and lose,’’ he said Monday before the Sox played the Royals. “All I really care about is winning.’’

But the Red Sox did lose and the long, fruitless day added to what has been a frustrating season for Gonzalez. He even struck out on three pitches with two runners on and no outs in the 17th against Chris Davis, a position player pressed into service on the mound.

That left Gonzalez hitting .264 with two home runs and 15 RBIs through 27 games, statistics far below his expectations and those of fans who believe Gonzalez should be carrying the injury-riddled Sox, not holding them back.

During a lengthy conversation at his locker, a candid and direct Gonzalez vowed his performance would reach the levels his $154 million contract suggests they should.

“I can’t focus on the statistics. I know [the media] has to, that’s their job. But the home runs will be there. I look at batting average with runners in scoring position, on-base and slugging,’’ he said.

“The only thing I can say is that when the last day of the season comes, [his slugging percentage] is going to be over .500 and the on-base is going to around .400. You may not see it right now because it’s May 7. But I promise you when the season is over, the slugging will be over .500 and the on-base will be around .400. It is every year.’’

Gonzalez scoffed at the idea that he is having trouble handling the pressure of playing in Boston after spending the bulk of his career with the low-profile San Diego Padres.