The Royals fought through a 2-hour-plus rain delay. Here’s how Game 1 vs. the Rays ended

The Kansas City Royals dodged heavy storms on Tuesday night but couldn’t evade the hard-charging Tampa Bay Rays.

After a lengthy rain delay, the Rays surged ahead in a 5-1 victory at Kauffman Stadium that finished after midnight. KC dropped to 47-40 as the bullpen faltered once again.

Royals reliever Chris Stratton surrendered two runs and two walks. In the seventh inning, Stratton allowed a two-run double to Rays third baseman Isaac Paredes.

Before that, John Schreiber was charged with one run in the sixth.

“The first run they scored, a couple of ground balls got through, and you’ve got to give them credit for putting the ball in play,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Schreiber threw the ball well that inning. The next inning, the walks hurt us.”

Rays designated hitter Brandon Lowe added a solo homer in the ninth inning. He grooved a 95.7 mph sinker into the right-field seats.

The late runs proved to be detrimental. The Royals offense failed to recover despite shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. hitting his 13th home run.

“One run wasn’t going to be enough,” Quatraro added.

KC collected six hits in the game. Outfielder MJ Melendez accounted for two singles and a double. Meanwhile, Royals third baseman CJ Alexander recorded his first MLB hit.

The Rays improved to 43-42. Rays starter Zack Littell earned his third victory as he struck out four batters in five scoreless innings.

“They have a great pitching staff and they have for the last couple of years,” Melendez said. “Obviously, he had his stuff working for him tonight. He had a pretty good splitter going and throwing it to the righties and the lefties. (He was) just kind of keeping us off balance.”

Royals starter Brady Singer allowed three hits and four walks in his outing. He threw 88 pitches and retired nine of his last 10 batters. He allowed one earned run in five innings and took the loss.

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Here are more notables from Tuesday’s game:

Rain delay at The K

Both teams headed into the clubhouse early on Tuesday.

Heavy rain and thunderstorms halted play in the sixth inning. The Royals were set to take the field before severe weather arrived at Kauffman Stadium.

The Royals’ grounds crew rushed to cover the field. Moments later, the teams retreated to their respective clubhouses to wait out the rain delay.

Tampa Bay took a 1-0 lead in the second inning. Infielder Richie Palacios hit a one-out single and scored on a wild pitch from Royals starter Brady Singer.

“Just trying to make a four-seam (fastball) better than I needed too,” Singer said. “You know, obviously, pulled it across the zone. Salvy (Salvador Perez) was set up and away and I pulled it across the zone. Tough for him to get a glove on it. Just trying to make a pitch too good there.”

Play resumed at 11 p.m. Central. The rain delay last 2 hours, 32 minutes.

Bobby Witt Jr. produces defensive highlight

Witt showcased his five-tool ability against the Rays. In the second inning, Witt threw out Rays outfielder Randy Arozarena after a backhand stop.

Arozarena hit a ground ball that rolled past Royals third baseman CJ Alexander. However, Witt was able to corral the baseball just shy of the outfield grass. He gathered himself and fired a strike over to Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino.

“Incredible,” Singer said. “Obviously, a huge out with the way that inning turned out. With him making that play, it’s something that we are used to.”

Witt owns a 12 OAA (outs above average) and has prevented nine runs from scoring, per Statcast.

What’s next on the KC Royals’ schedule?

The Royals continue the three-game series on Wednesday. Royals right-hander Michael Wacha will take the mound at Kauffman Stadium.

Wacha is 4-6 with a 3.91 ERA this season. In his last start, Wacha allowed one run against the Cleveland Guardians. He is set to face his former team for the second time this season.

The Rays will send right-handed pitcher Ryan Pepiot to the mound. He is 4-4 with a 4.40 ERA and will make his first career start against the Royals.