Royals swept in New York. Here’s what went wrong in lifeless series vs. Yankees
The Kansas City Royals made their awaited return to Yankee Stadium this week.
Their bats did not.
Six months ago, the Royals faced the New York Yankees in the American League Divisional Series. KC fought valiantly in four games, but their World Series aspirations ended in disappointing fashion.
This series in New York was supposed to be a thrilling reunion. But the Yankees no longer have superstar Juan Soto, who bolted across town to the New York Mets. The Royals, meanwhile, added infielder Jonathan India to lead off their batting order.
The Royals got off to a slow start in this mid-week rematch. On Monday, they collected just two hits, both by superstar Bobby Witt Jr., in a 4-1 loss. Things were no better Tuesday: The Yankees clinched the series with a three-run sixth inning and 4-2 victory.
On Wednesday, the Royals lost 4-3. New York completed a three-game sweep.
“It comes down to the last swing of the game,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “I mean, the guys battled and we knew it was going to be a tough game. All these games against these guys are. The guys competed like crazy.”
The Royals are off to a disappointing 1-5 start to their 10-day, three-city road swing. Their offense continues to sputter and late issues with their bullpen cost them a game in the Bronx.
Here are three takeaways from the Royals-Yankees series:
Can Royals snap cold spell?
At some point, the Royals’ offense has to wake up.
But this club continues to put together inconsistent at-bats. KC recorded just 12 hits in the three-game series.
There wasn’t a lot of hard contact outside of two homers (from Bobby Witt Jr. and MJ Melendez). The remainder of the lineup was unproductive with men in scoring position. And otherwise.
“We’ve got to figure out a way to string some more things together to put up crooked numbers,” Quatraro said.
The Royals didn’t score after the third inning Tuesday. There were missed opportunities; runners were stranded. For example, the Royals failed to get veteran catcher Salvador Perez home with just one away.
Perez doubled to start an inning and was left on third. The Royals did a better job in this aspect Wednesday, with Kyle Isbel hitting an RBI triple and Perez an RBI single.
“I think we are taking good at-bats and taking good swings,” Isbel said. “Balls are just not falling our way.”
Still, the lack of offense was costly. The Royals couldn’t score enough runs to keep up with the Yankees.
KC has now scored four runs or fewer in 17 of 19 games this season. The club extended its current dismal streak to 12 straight, longest in the majors.
“There are always positives,” Isbel said. “We are a group that’s very confident. We believe in ourselves and we believe in each other. We are just going to keep going.”
Royals’ bullpen falters
The Royals didn’t get the best effort from their relievers against the Yankees. Their bullpen gave up a few crucial runs in Tuesday and Wednesday’s games.
Left-hander Angel Zerpa issued a bases-loaded walk on Tuesday before Yankees outfielder Jasson Dominguez cleared the bases with a three-run double.
On Wednesday, Royals right-hander John Schreiber challenged Yankees superstar Aaron Judge with a 93.1 mph sinker that Judge sent over the right-field wall.
Judge was somewhat limited during this series. But he made his presence felt in the finale as the Royals lost again.
“Just missed location,” Schreiber said. “I mean, it was a bad pitch. He’s one of the best hitters in the game, and to make one mistake, you can’t do it.”
The Royals’ pitchers also surrendered too many walks. That was the difference Tuesday: six walks in the final three innings.
“It was a battle,” Wednesday night starter Kris Bubic said. “It wasn’t very comfortable, honestly, from the get-go. I just found a way to pitch as deep as I can and (was) fortunate to get to the sixth inning.”
Road trip remains tough
It’s clear the Royals are struggling a bit this season. But there’s no rest ahead. This weekend KC will face the AL Central-leading Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.
The Tigers are tied with the Cleveland Guardians atop the division. The Royals are playing catch-up.
Their four-game series in Detroit will be pivotal. A sweep would help the Royals break even on this so-far brutal road trip. Short of that, a series victory might at least put the Royals back atop the AL Central standings.
The Royals will have their top pitchers going in the Tigers series. Right-hander Michael Lorenzen will pitch Thursday night, followed by aces Cole Ragans and Seth Lugo. Michael Wacha will pitch Sunday’s finale.
This story was originally published April 16, 2025 at 8:52 PM.
