The Kansas City Royals’ offensive struggles followed them across state lines in Friday’s series-opening 9-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field.
[–>
And this time, there were a few defensive mistakes as well.
[–>
In the first inning, the Rangers took advantage of two key errors. After Rangers shortstop Ezequiel Duran hit a two-out single to plate two runs, the Royals gift-wrapped the Rangers an additional pair.
[–>
Texas outfielder Alejandro Osuna got aboard on Nick Loftin’s throwing error. Loftin threw wildly to first base as Vinnie Pasquantino was pulled off the bag. The mistake allowed a run to score and put runners on first and third.
[–>
Osuna later stole second base and advanced on another throwing error. This time, Royals catcher Salvador Perez threw high of Loftin covering second base. This allowed Rangers star Evan Carter — who previously got aboard with a two-out double — to score.
[–>[–>
All four first-inning runs, two earned, came against Royals right-handed starter Stephen Kolek.
[–>
Kolek battled through five innings. In the fifth, he allowed a two-run homer to Rangers outfielder Brandon Nimmo. The blast traveled 435 feet over the right-field wall.
[–>
As a result, Kolek suffered his first loss of the 2026 campaign. He was hit hard after tossing a complete-game shutout against the Seattle Mariners last weekend.
[–>
Later in the game, former Royals infielder Nicky Lopez got revenge on his old mates. He belted a two-run homer off right-hander Steven Cruz. On Wednesday, Lopez was signed by the Rangers after veteran Andrew McClutchen was designated for assignment.
[–>
The Royals fell to 22-35 on the season. They have lost four consecutive games and 14 of their last 17 this month.
[–>
Royals offense continues to scuffle
[–>
Prior to Friday’s game, the Royals made a significant change to their batting order. The club inserted outfielder Lane Thomas in the leadoff spot and dropped Maikel Garcia to the third spot in the order.
[–>
The goal was to create more traffic on the basepaths. Thomas, who excels against left-handed pitchers, got an advantageous spot to produce. Meanwhile, Garcia would have a chance to spark the middle of the order with his on-base prestige.
[–>
The alternate lineup didn’t produce results. Garcia recorded two hits, but the Royals couldn’t scratch a run across against Rangers left-hander MacKenzie Gore.
[–>
Gore tossed 6 and 1/3 scoreless innings. He issued one walk and recorded three strikeouts as he shut down the Royals.
[–>
KC had an early scoring chance fall by the wayside. In the first inning, Garcia and Perez recorded a pair of two-out hits. However, they were stranded on base as designated hitter Starling Marte grounded out to end the threat.
[–>
Gore would scatter two additional hits. He won his fourth game and has now stymied the Royals twice in his career.
[–>
KC finished 1 for 6 with runners in scoring position and left seven men on base. In their last three games, the Royals have been outscored 31-2 by opponents.
[–>
Pasquantino drove home the lone run in the ninth inning.
[–>
What’s next: Royals right-hander Seth Lugo (2-4, 3.74 ERA) will start opposite Rangers righty Kumar Rocker (2-5, 3.96 ERA) in Saturday’s afternoon game. First pitch is set for 3:05 p.m. Central Time at Globe Life Field.
Jaylon Thompson cubre a los Reales para The Kansas City Star. Anteriormente cubrió la Serie Mundial de 2021 y los Juegos Olímpicos de Verano de 2016 en Río de Janeiro, Brasil. Jaylon es un orgulloso alumno de la Universidad de Georgia.
‘ Este Articulo puede contener información publicada por terceros, algunos detalles de este articulo fueron extraídos de la siguiente fuente: www.kansascity.com ’
