Royals offense continues to sputter as they fall 6-1 against the Tigers

Royals open important division series with a brutal loss

The Royals enter the final series of their road trip as they take on the Tigers for the first time this year after a disappointing series in New York. The Royals offense has gotten off to a slow start, and despite having the best ERA in the American League, come into the game 8-11. They hope to see the bats come back alive and start a massive series with a much needed win.

Michael Lorenzen took the mound for the Royals in what was his fourth start of the year and entered the game posting a 3.17 ERA. He faced off against Reese Olson, someone who entered the game with an ERA of 6.00 and is looking to get back on track this season after the best season of his career in 2024.

Both teams managed to get runners on first and second in the first inning with a walk and a single but were unable to drive in a run. Both pitchers continued to get knocked around a bit, and the first blow came as Michael Lorenzen allowed three runs in the bottom of the third after a slew of hits from the middle of the Tigers order. The Tigers were able to tag on another run in the 5th as well to go up 4-0.

The Royals offense was still dead, with five hits and stranded all nine runners they had in the first six innings. The Royals seemed like they were going to come storming back in the eighth, opening the inning with 3 hits, but Hunter Renfroe hit into a double play, and Waters grounded out for the last out of the inning.

Many will be upset about the double play because of the missed call at first base, where it appeared Hunter Renfroe beat it out and was in safely. But unfortunately, the Royals were without their challenge, the Royals were not able to appeal, and the game went on.

Stratton pitched a scoreless seventh, but when he returned for the eighth, he struggled and gave up two runs and 3 hits. This sealed the game as the Royals were unable to score in the 9th and took a loss 6-1 in the first game of the series. A tough loss and they hope to bounce back tomorrow at the same time.

Winners

Michael Massey - 4 AB, 3 Hits - Massey was in a massive slump prior to this game, and going three for four is a big deal for him to get back on track.

Maikel Garcia - 3 ABs, 1 H, 1 BB, 1 RBI, Garcia has consistently been one of the best hitters for the Royals this season and had a solid performance again today.

Losers

Michael Lorenzen - 4.2 IP, 7 H, 4 ER, 3 BBs

Vinnie Pasquantino - Struggles at the plate continued and he was unable to get on base

The outfield - Biggio got a hit, Renfroe walked, but outside of that, the outfield bats killed an 8th inning rally and couldn’t get anything going offensively again today.

Chris Stratton - 2 ER over 1.2 innings, allowed 4 hits and a walk that helped the Tigers seal the game in the eighth.