By MATT PIKE
St. Joseph Post
The rough stretch continued for the Kansas City Royals on Thursday night as they dropped a fourth game in a row, opening a four game series to the Detroit Tigers with a 6-1 loss at Comerica Park.
Kansas City was unable to overcome a four run lead the Tigers built through the first five innings. A three run spot in the third started when Kerry Carpenter singled and Zach McKinstry walked, before a double from Spencer Torkelson drove both in. Torkelson later scored on a single from Riley Greene. In the fifth, Carpenter doubled, and McKinstry again walked, before Greene scored Carpenter with a single.
The Royals lone run in the top of the eighth inning came after Salvador Perez walked to open the inning, back to back singles from Michael Massey and Maikel Garcia drove Perez in to score. Detroit extended the lead in the bottom half however, Trey Sweeney singled and Ryan Kreidler walked before Gleyber Torres hit a single of his own to load the bases. After Carpenter struck out, McKinstry grounded into a forceout scoring Sweeney and then Torkelson brought in a run with a single, bringing home Kreidler.
Michael Lorenzen took the loss, falling to 1-3, pitching 4.2 innings and giving up four runs on seven hits, striking out three and walking three. Massey led the way hitting on the night going 3-4 at the plate.
Kansas City and Detroit continue their series tomorrow. Cole Ragans takes the mound for the Royals, looking to continue a streak of 10+ strikeout games, taking on Jackson Jobe for the Tigers. First pitch is at 5:40pm, pregame coverage begins at 5 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).
You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt and St. Joseph Post @StJosephPost.