A Royals rookie was the lone bright spot in Friday’s loss to the Detroit Tigers
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Royals rookie Ryan Bergert limited Tigers to three hits in solid no-decision start.
- Tigers offense surged late, scoring four runs off relievers Zerpa and Falter.
- Early Royals lead faded as Tigers defense and bullpen stifled final scoring threats.
It’s getting difficult to ignore what Kansas City Royals rookie starter Ryan Bergert has done since arriving at the MLB trade deadline.
In some respects, he probably deserves more attention.
Bergert was dominant Friday night against the Detroit Tigers. He was challenged with another true road test, and he responded by shutting down the best team, record wise, in the American League.
“Another really impressive outing and he kept himself under control,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said of Bergert. “He gives up the one homer and pitches efficiently into the sixth inning.”
The Tigers entered play with a top AL offense. This season, Detroit hitters are posting a combined .739 OPS (on-base plus slugging) and .249 batting average. All nine starters have at least 10 homers.
Bergert was unfazed in his start. He began the game by striking out Tigers duo Colt Keith and Kerry Carpenter. Later, he got Tigers catcher Dillon Dingler to chase a well-placed 82 mph sweeper that darted out of the strike zone.
“I went out and felt pretty normal,” Bergert said. “You know, I had good command of all my stuff. Thought I was, you know, throwing strikes and getting ahead of guys. So it was good.”
The Tigers logged three hits against Bergert. Zach McKinstry (3 for 4) did the most damage as he recorded a solo home run and triple.
But then the Royals turned to their bullpen, and things changed. In the seventh inning, McKinstry led the Tigers to a 7-5 comeback victory.
Bergert earned a no decision.
More on Ryan Bergert’s strong start
When Bergert did run into trouble, he remained poised while protecting an early lead. Bergert worked around McKinstry’s homer and retired the next two batters — Javier Baez and Keith — to limit the damage.
Bergert had firm control of all his pitches. He registered 45 swings and 12 whiffs while throwing 56 of 90 pitches for strikes, per Baseball Savant.
“I thought it was good,” Bergert said of his pitch selection. “Was putting it where I wanted to and was executing.”
The Royals continue to develop Bergert with each start. He made his 15th career appearance (11th start) and looked like a seasoned veteran at Comerica Park. His ability to command the strike zone could afford him more opportunities down the stretch.
“You don’t see that in young guys and he is pretty good,” Royals catcher Salvador Perez said. “He is showing up as one of the youngest guys we have on the staff.”
KC is currently without ace Cole Ragans. Bergert has done well filling in the starting rotation and could remain once the Royals are at full strength.
He has certainly earned it with each passing start.
Royals’ bullpen implodes
The Tigers came alive offensively once Bergert left the game. Detroit attacked left-handed relievers Angel Zerpa and Bailey Falter.
Zerpa allowed a game-tying two-run homer to Riley Greene in the sixth. Greene belted an 87.5 mph slider that was left over the plate.
It was Greene’s 30th home run of the season. Later, Falter allowed three earned runs as he labored through the seventh frame. He was hit on his left arm by a sharp line drive off McKinstry’s bat.
Falter was able to stay in the game. However, the Tigers recorded four runs and five hits against him in the inning.
“I’m sure it didn’t help,” Quatraro said of Falter’s getting hit by the line drive. “You know, it hit right square in the bicep. He said he got loosened back up, and it wasn’t an overriding factor to get him out of there. He said he understood the situation and wanted to go back out and finish the inning.”
Detroit got one run after Randal Grichuk bypassed the cutoff man in an attempt to throw out McKinstry at third base. McKinstry scored on the play to give the Tigers a 4-3 lead.
From there, Tigers trio Andy Ibanez, Gleyber Torres and Wenceel Perez recorded RBIs.
Royals offense starts fast
The Royals held the early advantage against Tigers starter Casey Mize. The offense recorded seven hits through three innings on Friday night.
Bobby Witt Jr. logged an RBI single and Salvador Perez added a two-run double. Both hits came in the third inning. The Royals didn’t score again until the ninth; Vinnie Pasquantino homered in his fifth consecutive game in the loss.
There were additional chances, but the Royals were turned away in short order. Witt grounded into two double plays.
“The at-bats against Mize were great,” Quatraro said. I mean, we had chances to probably open it up more. ... You have to give them credit for stemming the tide there and keeping it at three.”
In the eighth inning, the Royals had two runners aboard with no outs. Both runners were unable to score as Adam Frazier, Jonathan India and John Rave were retired in succession.
What’s next: The Royals continue their three-game series against the Tigers on Saturday at Comerica Park. Right-hander Michael Wacha (8-9, 3.43 ERA) will start opposite righty Chris Paddack (4-11, 5.10). First pitch is set for 5:10 p.m. Central.
This story was originally published August 22, 2025 at 9:17 PM.
