Royals struggle to drive in runs in 6-1 loss to Tigers

Jaylon Thompson, The Kansas City Star on Apr 17, 2025

Published in Baseball

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DETROIT — The Kansas City Royals can’t get out of their own way. And their struggling offense is becoming a major concern.

On Thursday, the Royals (8-12) continued to spin their wheels offensively against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park. KC squandered multiple scoring chances in a 6-1 loss to its American League Central rival.

Here are a few examples:

In the fourth inning, the Royals had a prime scoring opportunity. KC loaded the bases against Tigers starter Reese Olson as Michael Massey, Maikel Garcia and Cavan Biggio got aboard with one out.

Detroit (11-8) held a three-run lead, but the Royals were in a favorable spot to cut into the deficit. KC sent outfielder Drew Waters to the plate. Waters, who was recalled from Triple-A Omaha this month, saw three pitches against Olson.

He went down swinging on an 86.4-mph change-up.

Next, Kyle Isbel headed to bat. He didn’t fare better, flying out on a first-pitch slider to end the scoring threat.

The Royals were turned away and stranded three runners.

Two innings later, the Royals faced a similar situation. There were two runners aboard and again the Royals were held scoreless. This time, Waters flew out and Isbel struck out against Tigers reliever Tyler Holton.

KC had runners in scoring position in five innings and had little to show for it. The Royals finished 1 for 12 on the night with runners in scoring position and left 10 men on base.

Garcia produced the lone run. He drilled an RBI single off Tigers reliever Beau Brieske in the eighth inning.

Royals starter Michael Lorenzen didn’t enough receive run support. He allowed four runs in 4 2/3 innings while issuing three walks. The Tigers took advantage of an ill-timed walk in the fourth as designated hitter Spencer Torkelson hit a two-run double.

Later, Tigers star Riley Greene added an RBI single. He finished 3 for 4 with two RBIs. Lorenzen suffered his third loss.

Here’s why that four-run mark was concerning.

Four runs is a magic number for KC opponents

The Royals offense continues to be a puzzling question during the 2025 campaign.

KC has scored four or fewer runs in 18 of 20 games. Put another way, the Royals haven’t scored five or more runs since April 4 against the Baltimore Orioles.

That’s an active streak of 13 consecutive games, the longest in the majors.

The franchise record is 19 consecutive games set June 5-26 during the 2018 season.

The Royals entered Thursday with only one regular starter (Bobby Witt Jr.) batting .300 or better and only four players total hitting above .215.

Here are more notable aspects of Thursday’s game:

Massey records three hits

The Royals need productive at-bats. On Thursday, Massey finished 3 for 4 as he showed positive signs at the plate.

Massey entered with one hit on the 10-game road trip. Prior to the game, his last hit came on April 12 against the Cleveland Guardians.

All three singles were not hit particularly hard. Instead, Massey worked the count and found a way to contribute on a tough offensive night.

He collected three of the Royals’ seven hits in the game.

What’s next?

The Royals continue their weekend series against the Detroit Tigers on Friday night. KC ace Cole Ragans (1-0, 2.28 ERA) aims for a fourth consecutive start with 10 or more strikeouts while right-hander Jackson Jobe (1-0, 3.00 ERA) starts for the Tigers.