The Royals got another one-run loss to the Tigers, and this one made it five straight. Detroit held on for a 2-1 win, with both of its runs coming before the game had really settled in.
Kansas City tried something different by opening with Beck Way, but the move went sideways fast. Way loaded the bases before he recorded an out, nearly watched Riley Greene clear them with a grand slam, and instead saw Isaac Collins haul it back for a sacrifice fly. After that, a groundout set up an RBI single from Hao-Yu Lee, and the Tigers were up 2-0 before the Royals had much of a chance to breathe.
Noah Cameron, working as the bulk reliever, was excellent. He went seven innings, struck out 8, and allowed just 2 hits and 3 walks.
The approach looked different, too. Cameron leaned much less on his four-seam fastball than he has for most of the season, using it only 16.5% of the time.
For the year, that pitch had been his most-used offering at 27.2%, even though it hasn’t been one of his better ones. He also showed more willingness to use his cutter against left-handers, which is usually not his preference.
The problem was that Cameron was already pitching from behind, and Tarik Skubal made sure the Royals had very little margin for error. Skubal struck out 12 Kansas City hitters and pushed his career total to 999. He allowed four hits, and all four were doubles.
The Royals’ lone run came in the fourth. Salvador Perez opened the inning with a double, and Nick Loftin followed with another two-out double to bring him home.
Their other real chance came in the third, when Isaac Collins led off with a double and Michael Massey walked. Tyler Tolbert then dropped down a sacrifice bunt in the third inning, and the inning ended with Carter Jensen and Lane Thomas striking out.
That left the game in the hands of two pitchers who were both dealing. Cameron’s seven scoreless innings and Skubal’s 7.1 innings with one run allowed made for a tight, clean finish after Way’s rough opening. But the first three batters mattered, and the Royals never recovered from them.
There was one more encouraging note for Kansas City. Jac Caglianone was healthy enough to pinch hit for Starling Marte in the ninth, and he flew out to shallow center without showing any discomfort.
The Royals will need a win Sunday afternoon to have a chance at a split. Michael Wacha, with a 3.66 ERA and 4.37 SIERA, is scheduled to face Casey Mize, who comes in at 2.79 and 3.62. First pitch is set for 12:10 PM Central.
In Other News...
Royals Fans Need To See This Bobby Witt Jr. Update
Salvador Perez has already tied George Brett with 317 career home runs as a Royal, so every trip to the plate now carries a little extra weight for Kansas City. At the same time, the Royals recent move to add Nate Pearson gives the bullpen another arm to sort through, while the organization continues to monitor the health of several players who matter to the roster picture.
The bigger concern for fans, though, is the latest injury picture around the lineup and infield, with Bobby Witt Jr. still part of the conversation as the club tries to keep its season on track. Add in the fact that Kendry Chourio, Josh Hammond and Angeibel Gomez showed up in the latest FanGraphs top 100, and there is plenty for Royals followers to track beyond the box score as the next wave of updates comes into focus. [Read more 🡒]
Royals Make Another Outfield Move Fans Have Seen Before
Kameron Misner is on the move again, and this one sends a familiar name from Kansas Citys outfield pipeline to Philadelphia for cash considerations. The Phillies optioned Misner to Triple-A Lehigh Valley and cleared a 40-man roster spot by designating Steward Berroa for assignment, a straightforward transaction on paper but one that fits a broader pattern for a player the Royals have already cycled through once.
For Kansas City, the move is another reminder of how quickly outfield depth can turn over, especially with players in their final minor league option year. Misners time in the majors with the Royals was brief, and Berroa now enters a familiar roster squeeze of his own, with the possibility of staying in the organization if he clears waivers and is outrighted to Triple-A. [Read more 🡒]
Royals May Have Finally Found Their Outfield Answer In Brewers Trade
The Royals decision to bring in Isaac Collins and Nick Mears has started to look a lot more interesting as Collins keeps carving out a real role in Kansas Citys outfield mix. What began as a trade addition has turned into something closer to a lineup solution, with Collins giving the club a left-handed bat and a steadier presence in a spot that had been looking for answers.
For Milwaukee, the timing only sharpens the contrast. Right field has been the Brewers weakest position this season, and Collins recent surge has only made it easier to imagine how much he might have helped there. Kansas City, meanwhile, has reason to believe it may have landed not just a useful piece for now, but one it can keep building around for years to come. [Read more 🡒]