Kansas City Royals tie the club record for losses in a season ... with 1 game left
There is a new entry in the Kansas City Royals’ record books. On Saturday, the 2023 Royals tied the franchise mark for most losses in a single season.
The Royals lost their 106th game in a 5-2 defeat to the New York Yankees. They have matched the infamous 2005 Royals that went 56-106 over 17 years ago.
Now, KC must avoid a record-breaking loss in Sunday’s season finale.
“Everybody knows that it’s the last game tomorrow for us,” Royals captain Salvador Perez said. “We’ve just got to focus, come in tomorrow, play hard and learn from this season.”
There is a lot at stake on Sunday. Royals veteran pitcher Zack Greinke could make his final start in a Royals uniform. Also, Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. is still on a historic war path.
Witt could become the fourth player in Major League Baseball history with a 30-50 season. He needs one more steal to reach the special milestone.
Witt hit his 30th home run on Friday night.
Saturday was a different story. The Royals relinquished a two-run lead against the Yankees at Kauffman Stadium.
KC had its chances throughout the game. In the sixth inning, the Royals had two runners in scoring position but came up empty. KC trio Logan Porter, Nick Pratto and Maikel Garcia struck out to end the threat.
“When you have an opportunity to score and you don’t do it, it hurts,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.
The Yankees scored five unanswered runs against the KC bullpen. New York took the lead against relievers Alec Marsh and Collin Snider. In the sixth inning, the Yankees scored three runs on three hits.
Yankees infielder Gleyber Torres provided the major blow with a two-run single. New York also got an additional run following outfielder Estevan Florial’s RBI single.
Marsh dropped to 3-9 overall after allowing three runs in 4 1/3 innings. Snider was charged with two earned runs in a third of an inning.
“I kind of just (hunkered) down and tried to make good pitches when I could,” Marsh said. “Obviously the two walks back-to-back, four pitches doesn’t help in any situation. I eliminate that and it’s probably a lot better.”
The Royals recorded 11 hits, but didn’t score after the third inning. Perez hit his 23rd home run. Meanwhile, Nelson Velázquez added an RBI single.
KC has one final shot to avoid franchise futility on Sunday. The season finale is slated for 2:10 p.m. CT.
“We are young and, like I said, we have a lot to learn,” Marsh said. “The fact that we have seen glimpses of what we can do, it’s just putting that together every day for 162 (games).”
Missed previous Royals coverage?
Home win: Royals produce historic night in 12-5 victory over New York Yankees
30-30 club: Why Bobby Witt Jr. provided a glimpse of what’s to come in the future
Here are more notables from Saturday’s game:
Salvador Perez hits 23rd homer
The Royals captain continues to have a strong September. Perez added to the Royals’ lead with a no-doubt home run off Yankees starter Clarke Schmidt.
Perez drilled an 86.8 mph sweeper into the left-field seats. The blast traveled 389 feet and registered a 100.1 mph exit velocity.
This month, Perez has 24 hits, four home runs and 22 RBIs. He also has 14 multi-hit efforts in his last 38 games.
Perez finished 1-for-4 against the Yankees on Saturday night.
Drew Waters exits game in 4th inning
The Royals were dealt another injury this season. In the fourth inning, Waters was replaced by outfielder Dairon Blanco in center field.
Waters exited the game with left quad tightness.
He appeared to sustain the injury after hitting a double in the second inning. Waters gingerly rounded the bases before stopping at second base.
Waters initially remained in the game. He played the third inning before being replaced before the fourth frame began.
This season, Waters spent time on the injured list with a left oblique strain.
Velázquez also exited with a knee discomfort. He fouled a baseball off his knee earlier in the game.
What’s next: The Royals conclude the 2023 season against the Yankees on Sunday. Zack Greinke will start against New York hurler Michael King.
This story was originally published September 30, 2023 at 9:21 PM.
