CLEVELAND — The Kansas City Royals continue to fall victim to their sixth-inning woes. On Thursday, the Royals surrendered four runs in the pivotal frame against the Cleveland Guardians.
It was not a kind outing for Royals reliever Amir Garrett. He allowed four runs (two earned) while recording only one out.
Guardians duo Jose Ramirez and Josh Naylor hit consecutive home runs. It was the third time the Guardians have accomplished the task this season.
The Royals couldn’t overcome the deficit and the Guardians cruised to a 6-1 victory in front of 17,464 fans at Progressive Field.
It was another no-decision for Royals starter Jordan Lyles, who has recorded just one win this season. He allowed one run across five innings of work but didn’t have enough run support.
The Royals scored an early first-inning run. However, they were shut down the remainder of the game. KC went 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position.
Guardians starter Tanner Bibee earned his sixth victory. He allowed one run in five innings of work.
The Royals fell to 25-63 and have dropped three of four to the Guardians this season.
Here are more notables from Thursday’s game:
Lyles looks solid in return
The Royals welcomed Lyles back to the starting rotation. The veteran hurler was scratched from his previous start due to illness. On Thursday, Lyles looked sharp against the Guardians.
Lyles allowed six hits, one earned run and struck out five batters across five innings of work. He threw 59 of 87 pitches for strikes and avoided major damage.
In the second inning, Lyles allowed a solo home run to Guardians second baseman Andres Gimenez. He threw an 80.9 mph sweeper inside that Gimenez hit into the right-field seats.
Lyles, who made progress with a few solid performances in June, would settle down afterwards. He worked around two singles to escape further damage in the frame.
Lyles retired the final six batters he faced before departing after the fifth. He earned a no-decision as the Guardians took control late in the game.
Royals start fast
The Royals began Thursday’s game on a high note. In the first inning, Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. recorded a one-out single. He collected his 26th stolen base and was in scoring position for Royals captain and All-Star Salvador Perez.
Perez worked a walk against Bibee. It set up runners at first and second for Royals first baseman Nick Pratto.
Pratto drilled a single into left field. Witt came around to score as the Royals took an early 1-0 lead.
It was Pratto’s 28th RBI of the season.
The Royals failed to score again. KC left 11 runners on base in the game.
What’s next
The Royals continue their four-game series against the Cleveland Guardians. Daniel Lynch will start Friday against Aaron Civale. Brady Singer is slated to pitch on Saturday.
