How did Tigers flip Tuesday’s game on Royals? Start with Kansas City’s bullpen
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- The Royals’ bullpen allowed go-ahead runs in the eighth inning at Comerica Park.
- Reliever Nick Mears gave up a leadoff double to Zach McKinstry before the collapse.
- Mears threw a wild pitch that scored McKinstry and then walked rookie Kevin McGonigle.
The Kansas City Royals’ bullpen woes continued in Tuesday’s 2-1 loss to the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park.
The Royals clung to a one-run lead in the eighth inning, the Tigers having eked out just two hits through seven. But right-handed reliever Nick Mears allowed two runs.
“Plain and simple, I need to be better,” Mears said.
First he gave up a leadoff double to Tigers second baseman Zach McKinstry. He retired the next two hitters, thanks in large part to star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr.’s defensive grab, but trouble remained afoot.
Mears threw a wild pitch that allowed McKinstry to score from third base, tying the game, then walked rookie third baseman Kevin McGonigle. Detroit catcher Dillon Dingler doubled down the left-field line to score McGonigle as the game-winning run.
“It was an unfortunate pitch in the dirt for the tying run to score,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “And then, Dingler hit a ball hard down the left-field line. It’s a big ballpark. You see guys score from first on those balls here all the time.”
The Royals had one more chance, but another major sore point Tuesday — their offense — cost them dearly. KC had Lane Thomas at third in the ninth, but he was stranded when Tigers closer Kenley Jansen retired Salvador Perez, Vinnie Pasquantino and Starling Marte in order.
“The pitching staff has been unbelievable,” Witt said. “And it sucks being the offense that we are right now, just doing what we are doing. We just got to help them out because they’re busting their tails each and every night going out there and competing.”
The Royals dropped to 7-10 while the Tigers improved to 8-9.
Cole Ragans holds firm in start
Cole Ragans didn’t have his best stuff Tuesday night. But he had enough to depart with the lead.
Ragans fought his command all evening. He walked four men and dealt with steady traffic on the basepaths. The Tigers made Ragans work throughout his six innings on the mound.
The 28-year-old left-hander was aided by some terrific defensive plays. That included two double plays and plenty of help from Witt.
“Defense was really good,” Ragans said. “You know, a lot of balls put in play and fell behind quite a bit. But, you know, like I said, defense was unbelievable behind me.”
In the fifth inning, Witt ran down a shallow fly ball in left field. He covered 72 feet before making an over-the-shoulder grab. It was a familiar play that showcased how Witt has won two Gold Gloves in recent seasons.
“I was trying to make plays and get outs,” Witt said. “I’m just trying to help the team any way that I can. You know, offensively, I feel like I haven’t been where I need to be. And just try to get better and help the team. I’m just trying to do whatever I can. I feel like we are about to burst out of this.”
Ragans didn’t allow a run. He surrendered just one hit, issued four walks and recorded one strikeout, settling for a no-decision.
The Royals scored early against Tigers ace Framber Valdez. In the second inning, Carter Jensen drove in the Royals’ only run on a fielder’s choice. Pasquantino scored from third as the Royals had the bases loaded.
Valdez stifled the Royals from there. Like Ragans, he didn’t have his top stuff. But the Royals squandered what few additional scoring chances they saw.
“We didn’t have many chances,” Quatraro said. “Framber pitched a heck of a game. I mean, his sinker was on and you know, weak contact. Guys were battling, but, you know, he’s one of the best starters in the league. He pitched like it today.”
In the sixth, Witt led off with a single but was stranded at second base as Thomas, Perez and Pasquantino went down in order.
Pasquantino struck out looking at a 79 mph curveball — Valdez’s lone strikeout of the game.
The Royals finished 0 for 6 with runners in scoring position and left five men on base.
“You just got to improve,” Witt said. “Just got to get better. We got to get uncomfortable, go out there and work and prepare. When we prepare right, we are going to be confident and score a lot of runs.”
Both teams turned to their bullpens late. Royals reliever Matt Strahm worked a scoreless inning and Mears wound up taking the loss.
What’s next: Royals right-hander Seth Lugo (1-1, 1.53 ERA) will start Wednesday’s game against the Tigers. Detroit will send right-hander Jack Flaherty (0-1, 5.14 ERA) to the mound, with first pitch set for 5:40 p.m. Central Time.
This story was originally published April 14, 2026 at 8:21 PM with the headline "How did Tigers flip Tuesday’s game on Royals? Start with Kansas City’s bullpen."
