The Kansas City Royals had their chances early against the Minnesota Twins but wound up with nothing to show for it in Sunday’s 5-3 loss in 11 innings at Target Field.
The Royals went 1-for-15 with runners in scoring position and left 15 men on base. As a result, the club is four games behind the New York Yankees (62-55) for the final spot in the American League Wild Card race.
“It’s a tough loss no question, but it’s one loss,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro told reporters in Minneapolis after the game. “So we are going to have an opportunity to come out tomorrow and play. Get a chance to win tomorrow’s game.”
KC hitters worked nine three-ball counts against Twins starting pitcher Jose Ureña. The longtime majorleague veteran struggled with his command; an elevated pitch count ended his outing after 73 pitches.
Nonetheless, Ureña allowed just one run in his short stint. The Royals failed to capitalize on four walks as Vinnie Pasquantino lined into a double play in the first inning. In the fourth, John Rave was left stranded on third base.
And the Twins took the advantage.
Ryan Fitzgerald, who was in the Royals organization last season, hit his first career home run off KC rookie starting pitcher Ryan Bergert. He belted a two-run homer into the right-field seats to give Minnesota a 2-1 lead.
