How the Royals fell short in Saturday’s game against the Tigers at Comerica Park

The Kansas City Royals had their chances against the Detroit Tigers on Saturday night but failed to break through at Comerica Park.

Royals starter Michael Wacha produced another quality start. He allowed three runs on eight hits and recorded four strikeouts. Meanwhile, the Royals got offensive production from both Vinnie Pasquantino and Bobby Witt Jr.

Pasquantino added an RBI double in the fourth inning, though he saw his franchise-record five-game home run streak end. Witt followed with a solo homer in the sixth.

However, those runs weren’t enough to win the game. The Tigers pulled away with a 4-2 victory and took the series at home.

“This one kind of falls into that, let’s salvage one here tomorrow,” Wacha said. “I know our guys are going to be able to flush this one and get back out there and, you know, compete our tails off the way we know how to compete. That’s our main focus right now.”

The Royals remained close throughout the night. In the eighth inning, Witt represented the tying run at third base. He remained there as Maikel Garcia struck out to end the frame.

KC finished 1-for-8 with runners in scoring position and left eight men on base.

The Tigers took advantage of their scoring chances. Andy Ibanez hit a pinch-hit solo homer in the eighth to provide a key insurance run. He joined teammates Spencer Torkelson and Jake Rogers as the lone offensive contributors.

Rogers went 2-for-3. He bested Wacha with two RBIs in his first two plate appearances.

“We had every opportunity like they did,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “I mean, they cashed in a couple more than we did. But it was a well-played game on both sides.”

The Royals (66-64) have lost seven of nine games against the Tigers. KC is now 11.5 games behind Detroit in the American League Central standings.

In the AL wild-card race, the Royals dropped 3 ½ games behind the Seattle Mariners (69-60), who were in action later Saturday against the Athletics.

Bobby Witt Jr. atones for key mistake

Witt probably wishes he could have one defensive play back.

In the fifth inning, Rogers lined a two-out single into center field. It was his second hit of the game as Witt hustled to haul in the incoming relay throw. Royals outfielder Kyle Isbel slipped and threw awkwardly toward second base.

Witt corralled the baseball but airmailed an off-target throw to home plate. The ball got past Royals catcher Salvador Perez.

As a result, Tigers infielder Zach McKinstry — who singled earlier in the inning — scored on the play to give Detroit a 3-1 lead. Witt was charged with an error to allow Rogers to reach second base.

“It’s just one of those plays where you are trying to make the out at home,” Witt said. “And then, whatever happens. Luckily, the run from second didn’t score.”

And Witt made up for his defensive miscue. He belted a solo home run off Tigers reliever Troy Melton in the sixth inning. It was his 19th homer as the Royals cut into the deficit.

“Any time you come to the plate, you want to try to help the team in any factor of it,” Witt said. “So, that’s all I’m trying to do in that position. And luckily I got a good pitch to hit.”

This season, Witt eclipsed 100 career home runs. He’s also registered his fourth consecutive campaign with 30 or more stolen bases.

Michael Wacha wins 6th inning duel

There aren’t many circumstances where an at-bat lasts 15 pitches. On Saturday, Tigers designated hitter Dillon Dingler wouldn’t give in against Wacha.

Wacha tried everything to retire Dingler. He threw four cutters, four changeups, three sliders, two fastballs, one curveball and one sinker.

Dingler refused to go down. He fouled off nine pitches before being rung up on a 79.1-mph changeup.

“Definitely been in some long ABs,” Wacha said. “I’m not quite sure if I had any that long. It’s definitely been some in the double digits. Just got to keep focus and try to win that battle.”

The Royals escaped any trouble in the sixth inning. Dingler was Wacha’s last batter as he threw 108 pitches.

What’s next: The Royals conclude their three-game series against the Tigers on Sunday afternoon. Right-hander Seth Lugo (8-6, 3.73 ERA) will start against fellow righty Jack Flaherty (7-12, 4.51 ERA) at Comerica Park.

‘ The preceding article may include information circulated by third parties ’

‘ Some details of this article were extracted from the following source sports.yahoo.com ’