By MATT PIKE
Kris Bubic picked up right where he left off in May to start June on the mound for the Kansas City Royals, but a lack of offense foiled that start and gave the Detroit Tigers a series win, winning 1-0 at Kauffman Stadium on Sunday afternoon.
The lone run given up by Bubic in the third inning, was on a wild pitch. Zach McKinstry tripled to open the inning, before a sweeper from Bubic got away from catcher Salvador Perez and allowed McKinstry to come home to score. From there, Bubic allowed just two more hits in the game, before being replaced by Angel Zerpa.
The Royals did outhit the Tigers in the game nine to five, but Kansas City was 1-for-4 with runners in scoring position, and left eight runners on base in the game.
Bubic took the loss, falling to 5-3 on the season, pitching seven innings and giving up four hits in all, striking out nine and walking two batters. His season ERA is now 1.43, which is the league leader, and made his ninth quality start, tying him for the most in baseball. Perez led the way at the plate, going 3-for-4. John Rave was 2-for-4 in the loss.
Kansas City is off tomorrow, and will head to St. Louis on Tuesday. Michael Lorenzen (3-6, 4.33 ERA) is set to start for the Royals in the series opener while Andre Pallante (4-3, 4.23 ERA) is scheduled to start for the Cardinals. First pitch is at 6:45 pm. Royals pregame coverage will begin at 6pm on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) while Cardinals pregame coverage will be joined at 6:35 on KY 102 (102.5 FM).
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