Kansas City Royals waste fabulous Seth Lugo start in loss to Marlins. Here’s how

Kansas City Royals starter Seth Lugo seemed poised to add another signature win to his All-Star candidacy on Tuesday night.

Until the Royals’ bullpen faltered once again.

Lugo pitched six shutout innings against the Miami Marlins. He was in line for his 11th victory, but the Royals squandered an early lead in a 2-1 loss at Kauffman Stadium.

In the seventh inning, the Marlins scored two runs against Royals relievers Carlos Hernandez and Will Smith.

“It got away from us in that inning,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.

Marlins second baseman Otto Lopez recorded a one-out double against Hernandez. He came around to score on teammate Nick Gordon’s RBI single. Two batters later, Miami added the decisive run after Smith committed a throwing error.

Smith attempted to retire Marlins star Jazz Chisholm Jr. after fielding a screaming comebacker toward the mound. However, he threw wide of first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino and Miami took a late advantage.

“We think that is a good spot for (Hernandez),” Quatraro said. “We need Carlos to be able to do that (get crucial outs). He gave up the double and the guy gets to third and we get a ground ball. A lot of times, we make that play, and tonight we didn’t.”

Lugo (10-2) would be saddled with a no decision. He has made 13 quality starts this season, including in his last three outings, but the Royals dropped to 43-38.

“I thought I threw the ball pretty well,” Lugo said. “You know, it hurts to not get the win there, but I’m pleased with my performance.”

In his start, Lugo allowed two hits and registered eight strikeouts. Unfortunately, he didn’t get much run support.

KC manufactured its lone run in the first inning. Second baseman Maikel Garcia worked a leadoff walk and stole two bases against Marlins right-handed starter Yonny Chirinos.

Pasquantino followed with an RBI single as the Marlins infield was drawn in on the dirt. Garcia scored as the Royals capitalized on the first-inning scoring chance.

“We were just bad tonight,” Pasquantino said. “Seems to be a common theme over the past few weeks. Hoping to take a step forward after last night. We didn’t do that. So we will look at it. Quick turnaround tomorrow, so we will be back out here.”

The Royals had another scoring chance wiped off the board. In the third inning, the Marlins retired Garcia in a rundown after Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. hit a one-out double.

Garcia had initially stopped at third base as Witt sped around the second base bag. Witt wandered too far and Garcia decided to proceed to home plate.

However, the Marlins caught Garcia in between the bases and he was tagged out.

“I haven’t looked at the exact timing of it, but really, Bobby is so fast,” Quatraro said. He is thinking triple, but that is a tough read for Maikel off the bat at first whether it’s going to get away from the guy or not. You’ve got to give them credit. (Miami) executed that perfectly.”

Lugo did what he could to avoid significant trouble. In the sixth inning, the Marlins had two runners on base, but Lugo struck out Miami designated hitter Jesus Sanchez to end the potential threat.

Still, the Royals couldn’t regain the lead down the stretch. Marlins closer Tanner Scott picked up his 10th save and evened the three-game series.

Missed previous Royals coverage?

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

Column: KC Royals look to respond to recent losing skid with successful homestand

Here are more notables from Tuesday’s game:

Kyle Isbel makes terrific leaping catch

Lugo received some defensive help in the fourth inning. While nursing a one-run lead, Royals outfielder Kyle Isbel robbed Miami’s Josh Bell of extra bases.

Isbel made a leaping catch in center field. The baseball appeared to tail away from him at the last second, but Isbel quickly adjusted to make the play.

The defensive highlight preserved Lugo’s no-hit bid. There was also an added difficulty attached to the catch as well. Isbel caught the baseball while ranging directly into the setting sunlight across Kauffman Stadium.

Royals strength coach headed to All-Star Game

The Royals will have at least one representative at the 2024 MLB All-Star Game.

On Tuesday, Royals strength coach Ryan Stoneberg was selected to serve under American League manager Bruce Bochy. Stoneberg is set to oversee the AL strength and conditioning during the 94th annual Midsummer Classic.

“He is a great strength coach and been doing this a long time,” Quatraro said. “He motivates the guys tremendously well and they work really hard in there. He’s really dedicated to his craft.”

Stoneberg is in his 23rd season with the Royals. He has spent the last 13 years as the club’s head major league strength coach.

In 2015, Stoneberg was awarded the Nolan Ryan Award by the Professional Baseball Strength and Conditioning Society.

What’s next on the KC Royals’ schedule?

The Royals conclude their three-game series against the Marlins. KC right-hander Brady Singer is set to start Wednesday’s matinee at Kauffman Stadium.

Singer is 4-2 with a 3.08 ERA in eight home starts. He has produced 50 strikeouts in 47 ⅓ innings at home this year.