Strikeouts, bad bullpen, questionable managing lead to Royals loss

This was just an overall sloppy game that was not exciting to watch. A long, drawn out, performance of offensive ineptitude, an incapable bullpen, and terrible managing strategy (not one of Yost’s more finer games).

For the majority of the game, the score sat at 0-0, with Eric Skoglund turning in one of his more steady outings of the season, twirling off six scoreless innings with only three hits and no walks allowed.

The Royals bats were held in check by Pirates headliner Jameson Taillon, as he allowed four hits over seven scoreless innings, striking out 11 and only walking one.

The outcome of this game became pretty predictable once both bullpens were in (I think the Pirates top four relievers would all be the Royals best reliever). This came to fruition quickly, as Brandon Maurer surrendered the game’s first run in the seventh inning, allowing a home run to Colin Moran, his tenth on the season.

The Royals threatened a couple different times, but their best opportunity actually came in the ninth against the All-Star closer Felipe Vazquez. With the Pirates one out away from victory, Hunter Dozier lined the first pitch he saw into left field, easily tying the game. Salvador Perez (never mind why there wasn’t a pinch-runner) tried to score from first, but was subsequently thrown out with ease.

Jason Hammel, Tim Hill, and Jake Newberry would all work around their own troubles in inning nine, sending the game to extras. The long man had now entered at this point in Burch Smith. After a scoreless 10th inning, he’d load the bases with one out in the 11th. Facing the fourth catcher on the Pirates roster in Ryan Lavarnway, he’d allow the Royals to get walked off for the third straight road contest. 2-1 Pirates.

The Pirates will go for the sweep tomorrow. The Royals will face a familiar face from his American League days in Chris Archer. They’ll counter with Heath Fillmyer.