How the Kansas City Royals came back from the ‘dead’ to rally past the Miami Marlins

The Kansas City Royals looked lifeless for the majority of Wednesday’s matinee game against the Miami Marlins.

There wasn’t any offensive energy. The same problems that had plagued them all month continued to be a hindrance.

In short, the Royals needed a bit of Kauffman Stadium magic ... and got it in a 5-1 comeback victory.

“We had been dead offensively,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.

The Royals scored five runs against the Marlins’ bullpen in the eighth inning. They registered five hits against Marlins reliever Huascar Brazoban in the frame.

Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. ignited the offense with a two-out triple. Next, first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino tied the game with an RBI single.

“For him to come through, the double before was a good swing and that swing right there just gives him validation,” Quatraro said of Pasquantino. “I know how hard he is working and I know how hard all these guys are working. For them to come through, that’s why you play the game — to help the team win.”

Royals captain Salvador Perez recorded an RBI double. Infielder Nick Loftin followed with an RBI single. Finally, with the bases loaded, catcher Freddy Fermin singled to drive in two more.

“Momentum is huge and that’s just who we are,” Witt said. “It’s just kind of getting back to playing our game, playing our type of ball. We just go out there and build off the momentum.”

The eighth-inning blitz had the Marlins reeling. Despite trailing 1-0 early, the Royals found a way to pull out a crucial home victory.

KC improved to 44-38 and earned a series victory in the process. Now, the Royals turn their attention to the Cleveland Guardians for an important AL Central series this weekend.

“Hopefully we continue with the same energy now that we are going to face Cleveland tomorrow,” Perez said. “It’s a four-game series. ... Get here, get ready and play hard until the last out.”

Missed previous games of the series?

Game 1: Royals snap losing streak with 4-1 win over Marlins

Game 2: Royals bullpen spoils Seth Lugo’s marvelous start against Marlins

Here are more notable aspects of Wednesday’s game:

Another quality start for Brady Singer

Singer was the latest Royals starter to receive a bit of tough luck.

The veteran right-hander did all he could to hold off the charging Marlins on Wednesday.

“The biggest thing was getting deep into the game,” Singer said. “I was struggling with that a little bit. I was able to get some quick innings and keep my pitch count reasonable. I was able to pitch into the eighth inning and that was huge for me.”

The Marlins scored their lone run in the second inning. Shortstop Vidal Brujan hit a two-out double and catcher Nick Fortes hit an RBI single.

Singer, however, would surrender nothing else. He retired 17 of the last 18 batters he faced in his sixth quality start of the season. Reliever Angel Zerpa was credited with the win.

“The efficiency was what was most impressive,” Quatraro said of Singer. “I know he mixed in more four-seamers today and got some bad swings on them. (He) also had some bigger sliders. So he gave them a different look. ... He had it in his mind he was going to carry us and that is what he did.”

He pitched 7 1/3 innings and struck out five. Per Baseball Savant, he registered 26 swings and 10 whiffs with his slider.

“Obviously, when you are looking at me, you are looking down (for something to hit),” Singer said. “... To be able to change eye levels with pitches up in the zone changes a lot of things from a hitter’s perspective.”

Marlins starting pitcher Valente Bellozo, meanwhile, made his MLB debut Wednesday. He pitched five scoreless innings but took the no-decision.

“He threw a ton of strikes and you’ve got to give him credit,” Quatraro said of Bellozo. “There were balls I thought we probably could’ve squared up, but he just kept us off balance.”

What’s next on the KC Royals’ schedule?

The Royals continue their 10-game homestand at Kauffman Stadium on Thursday with a pivotal four-game series against the Cleveland Guardians.

The Guardians lead the Royals by 10 games in the American League Central. KC will look to climb back in the divisional standings behind veteran right-hander Michael Wacha.

Wacha is 4-6 with a 4.07 ERA this season. He allowed one earned run in his previous start against the Texas Rangers. Cleveland will start right-hander Ben Lively (7-3, 3.03 ERA) in the series opener.