Offense struggles again as Red Sox take series with 3-1 win over Royals

It was a pitiful offensive series, and a disappointing end to the homestand

The Boston Red Sox clubbed two long home runs off of Seth Lugo, a solo shot and the tie-breaking two run shot, to beat the Royals 3-1 in the Sunday afternoon rubber match.

Boston was able to take two of three from the Royals for the third straight series, as they won 4 of 6 from the Royals last year as well. It was the sixth straight series win for Boston over the Royals. The Royals offense was only able to muster 4 runs the whole series, two of those coming off a runner starting on second, a blooper that went in and out of the second baseman’s glove and a throwing error.

Seth Lugo pitched really well, a quality start over 6 innings, allowing 3 runs, giving up 6 hits and striking out 5. It was way better than the two starts he had against Boston last year, however, as the whole season has gone for Lugo, he received minimal run support.

Cruz, Lynch IV, Schriber and Clarke combined for 3 scoreless innings out of the bullpen. The offense scored their run in the third after a Waters single, Maile walked and Isbel sacrificing on a bunt, but on the play Giolito made an errant throw to third, allowing Waters to score and giving the Royals a brief 1-0 lead.

Wilyer Abreu on a 2 strike, 2 out pitch would hit one over the Royals bullpen to tie the game in the 4th. After a Duran single, Devers stayed hot, hitting a long two run homer to dead center to give Boston a 3-1 lead in the 6th.

The Royals only had 4 singles on the day, Waters in the 3rd, Maile in the 5th, Isbel in the 8th, and Perez in the 9th after Pasquantino reached via error. With runners on first and second with one down, Garcia lined out to left on a nice sliding catch from Duran. Canha would foul out to first to end the game. The loss snapped the Royals string of 5 straight series wins. The Royals went 5-2 on the homestand.

The Royals will travel to Houston for three straight night games on Monday through Wednesday. They will also try and jump start the offense before an off day Thursday. The Royals took two of three from the Astros a couple of weeks ago in Kansas City.