The Kansas City Royals found themselves in another close encounter against the Seattle Mariners on Wednesday night.
This time, the Mariners got the upper hand — and kept it.
Seattle scored twice against the KC bullpen in the seventh inning. Mariners star outfielder Randy Arozarena continued to be a thorn in the Royals’ side, hitting his fourth home run of the series as KC fell 3-2.
The Royals had their chances.
Salvador Perez provided a jolt in the first inning. He drilled a RBI single off the left-field wall, driving in Bobby Witt Jr. Perez also drove in the visitors’ second run in the eighth inning.
Perez now has 44 career RBIs against the Mariners. It’s the most RBIs and highest OPS (.829) for a player who has never played in the American League West, per the Royals’ public relations team.
But KC would draw no closer. Mariners reliever Matt Brash retired Jac Caglianone and Drew Waters in succession to end a late threat. Caglianone is now batting .144.
“These guys have an elite bullpen,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro told local media in Seattle. “They have elite pitching and we know it’s going to be tough. It’s a one-run game and we’ve got to figure out a way to score that one.”
The Royals (40-47), who struck out 14 times on Wednesday, dropped 5 1/2 games behind the Mariners in the AL Wild Card race. KC recorded six hits against Seattle starter Logan Gilbert and company.
Royals starting pitcher Noah Cameron earned a no-decision. He didn’t allow a run in 4 2/3 innings and recorded five strikeouts.
“He was cruising through the first four innings,” Quatraro said. “The fifth inning, the four-pitch walk hurt, and the ground-ball single up the middle. Thankfully, (second baseman Jonathan) India knocked it down. He just got into some trouble there and loaded the bases. Overall, he threw the ball really well.”
The Mariners scored two runs in the seventh — one on a single by Julio Rodriguez and another via a sacrifice fly by Arozarena.
Royals left-handed reliever Angel Zerpa hesitated during a fielder’s choice and departed after allowing two baserunners to reach. He was charged with two earned runs and took the loss.
“One way or the other, any out there changes the whole situation of the game,” Quatraro said. “If he goes to first, there is one out regardless. I mean, that’s a reaction play. It’s great that he fielded it and hopefully he fires it right away and we get that out.”
The Royals haven’t won consecutive games since June 19-20, while the Mariners (45-41) picked up their fourth win in their last six games.
The Royals didn’t muster much offense Wednesday night. Bobby Witt Jr. was a bright spot, however, reaching base four times with two hits and two walks.
Witt scored both of the Royals’ runs. He came home on both of Perez’s RBI singles.
“Those are great at-bats,” Quatraro said. “Brash is really tough, and for him (Witt) to go the other way and set up a rally there in the eighth was really great. … Bobby can affect the game in every way.”
What’s next: The Royals finish their four-game series against the Mariners on Thursday night. Right-hander Seth Lugo (5-5, 2.74 ERA) will start for KC opposite Seattle right-hander Bryan Woo (7-3, 2.93 ERA).
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