It went from bad to worse in Kansas City Royals loss: Injuries, defensive miscues & more
The Kansas City Royals had their chances against the Detroit Tigers. The Royals recorded 11 hits and held an early 2-0 lead on Wednesday afternoon.
However, the hot start didn’t amount to much. The Tigers quickly extinguished the Royals’ momentum in a 9-4 victory at Comerica Park.
It was a tough outing for Royals starter Brady Singer. He didn’t have his usual command and labored over seven innings. Singer allowed seven hits, five earned runs and collected two strikeouts.
“I struggled with the command there in the second inning and they put up a few runs,” Singer said. “(It) kind of ... ruined my day there in the second.”
Singer threw 66 of his 97 pitches for strikes. He relied on his sinker and slider but didn’t miss many bats. The sinker averaged 91.7 mph and failed to generate much traction. Singer got just two whiffs with the pitch.
The Tigers chased the slider all afternoon. Tigers catcher Eric Haase hit a two-run double on an 84.3 mph slider in the second inning. Later, Zack Short hit a solo home run off a slider that stayed over the plate.
“It was a slider, middle, and I think that was the worst pitch of the day,” Singer said. “That one kind of hung there in the middle.”
The Royals failed to keep up. Tigers starter Matthew Boyd limited the offense for six innings. He allowed two runs and recorded seven strikeouts.
KC dropped to 20-54 overall and has lost 20 of 24 series this year.
“It’s just frustrating,” Royals first baseman Nick Pratto said. “We are working hard and doing all these things, but we’ve got to put complete games together.”
Missed previous games of the series?
Game 1: Royals squander early lead in 6-4 loss to Tigers
Game 2: Daniel Lynch spins gem in Royals 1-0 victory
Here are more notables from today’s game:
Two Royals involved in on-field collision
Fans witnessed a scary moment in the eighth inning. Recent call-ups Samad Taylor and Matt Beaty collided in right field as both were attempting to field a fly ball.
Taylor was running out to right field on the play. Meanwhile, Beaty was coming in toward the infield. Both players collided and fell upon impact. The Royals rushed out to check on each player.
“It’s very scary. He went down hard and Samad went down hard,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “You never want to see that happen. Fortunately, it’s not a serious injury.”
Beaty was taken out of the game. He headed to the clubhouse for further evaluation. Taylor stayed in and Drew Waters was inserted as a defensive replacement.
Waters entered in center field. Taylor remained at second base as speedster Dairon Blanco shifted over to right.
Quatraro mentioned that Beaty is doing okay. He said Beaty was evaluated and is non-concussive from the collision.
“All things considered, he is in a good spot,” Quatraro said.
Freddy puts two on the board
The Royals got off to a strong start Wednesday afternoon.
In the second inning, Maikel Garcia — who has been on a hot streak — and Samad Taylor each collected singles. Freddy Fermin came up next and hit a two-run double into the outfield gap.
Fermin drilled a 78.8 mph slider that was left over the plate. Tigers outfielder Andy Ibáñez nearly caught the baseball. It ricocheted off the wall and past Matt Vierling in center.
The Royals took a 2-0 lead as Garcia and Taylor scored on the play.
What’s next: The Royals will begin a four-game series against the Tampa Bay Rays on Thursday. Jose Cuas will serve as the opener in the game.
This story was originally published June 21, 2023 at 2:49 PM.
