A frustrating Royals loss came with familiar story — and some broken sunglasses
The Kansas City Royals got a serviceable start from right-handed pitcher Michael Lorenzen on Tuesday night.
Lorenzen allowed three runs (two earned) in 4 ⅔ innings against the San Francisco Giants. He recorded five strikeouts and issued a walk. It wasn’t efficient, but it was enough to keep the Royals in the game.
“He kept us in the game really well,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Like always, he competes, and you saw some better sinkers tonight. He did get some weak contact on those. So overall, I thought he threw the ball well.”
Even so, you’ll recognize this next sentence: The Royals couldn’t generate enough offense.
Giants starter Hayden Birdsong was effective in limiting the offense across five innings. He allowed one run — which was his own doing with an error and wild pitch — in the Giants’ 3-2 victory.
The Giants (29-20) did their damage in the middle frames. Willy Adames added an RBI triple and Casey Schmitt recorded an RBI single in the fourth inning. San Francisco tacked on its third and final run in the fifth.
“The process is good,” Lorenzen said of his start. “I think there is another step to it, which we will get to. I think we are getting guys to two strikes really well. But I need to start smelling blood a little bit and going for the kill. I think that will be the next step because I’m leaving a lot of strikeouts on the table.”
The Royals offense, meanwhile, remains cold at the plate. It’s been the theme of the 2025 season and was magnified once more on Tuesday.
Jonathan India went 0-for-4 in the leadoff spot. Meanwhile, Bobby Witt Jr., Vinnie Pasquantino and Salvador Perez combined for two hits.
“(We need to) put together good at-bats,” Witt said. “Just try to swing at good pitches, really just see the ball, be on time and go from there. Really take it little by little and slow the game down as much as you can. Be there in that present moment.”
The Royals were held to two runs or fewer for the 22nd time this season. The club is averaging 3.28 runs per game, which is the third-worst mark in the majors.
Witt did record an RBI single. In the eighth inning, he got aboard with an infield hit as Hunter Renfroe, who added a pinch-hit double, scored from third base.
Later in the frame, Witt attempted to get into scoring position as the tying run. But he was thrown out by Giants catcher Patrick Bailey to quell the potential rally.
This season, the Royals have been caught on 18 of 58 stolen base attempts. Their 69.0% stolen base rate ranks second-worst in the majors.
The Royals dropped to 27-23. KC got a strong effort from the bullpen but it wasn’t enough to overcome the Giants at home.
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Here are more notable aspects of Tuesday’s game:
Royals add two defensive highlights
The Royals continued to produce standout defensive plays. On Tuesday, KC duo Cavan Biggio and Bobby Witt Jr. added to their own personal highlight reel.
Biggio robbed Giants second baseman Tyler Fitzgerald in the third inning. He raced back and made a running catch on the warning track. In the process, he slammed into the left-field wall and broke his sunglasses.
“For him to put his body on the line for the team and make a play, that’s good for us,” Lorenzen said. “You know, it fires up the guys and it rubs off on everyone. So to have him, you know, play out of position, be able to do that and make that play was huge.”
Witt made a diving catch later in the game. He stole a base hit from Giants catcher Patrick Bailey. Witt ranged towards his right and snared the baseball in a full layout.
“Just trying to do my job out there and try to make plays,” Witt said. “Try to get outs and try to get to the next guy.”
Both plays helped the Royals remain in striking distance.
What’s next: The Royals conclude the three-game series against the Giants. Left-handed pitcher Daniel Lynch IV will start Wednesday’s game. The Giants will start ace right-hander Logan Webb (5-3, 2.42 ERA) in the finale.
This story was originally published May 20, 2025 at 11:40 PM with the headline "A frustrating Royals loss came with familiar story — and some broken sunglasses."
