KC Royals’ loss to Mets packed a double whammy — for the team and Bobby Witt Jr.
If you want to know why the Kansas City Royals are in a dire predicament heading into the MLB All-Star Break, look no further than the sixth inning of Saturday’s 3-1 loss against the New York Mets.
There are several words — few of them positive — to describe the frame. And it’s fairly easy to point fingers at the club’s offensive woes.
Most concerning: The Royals’ lineup is far past the point of frustration and teetering toward pure annoyance for those at The K.
Here is how Saturday’s scenario played out.
The Royals were down two runs entering the sixth. A late scratch altered pitching plans, with Michael Lorenzen dealing with an illness. So the Royals decided to go with a bullpen game as Angel Zerpa led a convoy of relievers against New York.
The KC bullpen held its own. The Mets (55-41) scored three runs — including a Juan Soto two-run homer — and registered six hits. If there was any day to generate offense, the Royals needed it Saturday at Kauffman Stadium.
Yet, the Royals showcased why any resemblance to their 2024 playoff team is becoming more and more distant.
Even so, the sixth inning started great. Kyle Isbel hit a leadoff double and came home to score as Jonathan India did the same. India stood at second base and moved up 90 feet as Mets reliever Reed Garrett recorded a throwing error.
“It’s part of baseball,” India said. “Yeah, you know, we had good opportunities. We just didn’t come through today. It’s part of the game.”
The Mets subsequently brought the infield in with no outs as the Royals had their best three hitters waiting to hit.
Bobby Witt Jr. stepped to the plate to face Garrett. He saw five pitches before popping out to second.
India remained at third.
Next, Vinnie Pasquantino had a chance to pick up his teammate. He also saw five pitches before grounding out to Mets star Pete Alonso at first.
Once again, India couldn’t advance.
“We’re trying to win and so when we don’t score the runs that we have an opportunity to score, we’re frustrated,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.
Maikel Garcia was the final hope. He stood in the batter’s box with two outs and battled Garrett for seven pitches before flying out to right.
The inning was over. Just a mere 90 feet away sat the tying run and a chance to shift momentum.
Just like many games before, the Royals’ offense didn’t pull its weight. The club dropped its weekend series to the Mets.
“The guys are frustrated and they don’t want to leave guys out there,” Quatraro said. “They’re trying to drive runs in all the time. There are guys that are trying to get you out that are making good pitches. We’ve got to be a little bit better.”
Bobby Witt Jr. loses hitting streak
The Royals logged four hits against the Mets on Saturday. India had two doubles while Isbel and Pasquantino got in the hit column.
Witt, however, was unable to extend his hitting streak to 15 games.
He went 0-for-3 as the Mets kept him at a distance. Witt ended his seventh hitting streak of 10 or more games since the start of 2024.
In the eighth inning, he drew a walk to represent another game-tying opportunity. It would be short lived.
Witt appeared to have stolen second base, but the Mets challenged and replay review determined Witt came off the bag. The call was overturned, and the Royals were turned away amid heavy boos from the crowd.
Multiple Royals expressed frustration with the call postgame.
“The rule is clear and convincing,” Witt said after the game. “And I didn’t see anything clear and convincing, nor did any of the umpires out there or did anyone in our dugout.”
The Royals were 1-for-9 with runners in scoring position.
What’s next: The Royals conclude the first-half of the regular season with Sunday’s finale against the Mets. Left-hander Noah Cameron (3-4, 2.56 ERA) will start opposite Clay Holmes (8-4, 3.29 ERA) at Kauffman Stadium.
This story was originally published July 12, 2025 at 6:16 PM.
