Offense and bullpen struggle in 2-1 loss to Miami

Love that bullpen!

Despite another brilliant start from Seth Lugo, the Royals bullpen and offense blew it in a 2-1 loss.

For the first time in a long time, Kansas City didn’t go scoreless in the first inning. Maikel Garcia, still dealing with a bad slump, led off with a walk and swiped two bags. Moments later, Vinnie Pasquantino poked an RBI-single to right field to make it 1-0.

Unfortunately, that was all the offense they got. Lugo dealt for all six innings that he was in, but eventually the bullpen had to take over in the seventh.

The man that took over was Carlos Hernandez, who had an opportunity in high leverage. That opportunity, though, was wasted. With two outs and a runner at third, Garcia made a sliding stop but couldn’t make the throw to first. Will Smith entered to keep things tied but threw wildly to first when trying to field a ball that drilled him on the mound.

Trailing 2-1 in the final innings, the Royals barely threatened. In the bottom of the ninth, they put the tying run at second with two outs but Garrett Hampson grounded out to end the game.

The Royals, 43-38, will go for a series win tomorrow. Brady Singer toes slab 1:10 p.m. CT.