Kansas City Royals can’t keep up with Tampa Bay Rays in second game of weekend series

The Kansas City Royals were stung by the Tampa Bay Rays on Friday night. The Royals failed to counter the high-powered Rays’ offense and lost 11-3 at Tropicana Field.

In the fifth inning, KC needed one out to avoid further trouble. The Rays leaped to a 5-3 lead and chased Royals starter Zack Greinke from the game.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro went to his bullpen, calling upon reliever Jose Cuas with two outs. Cuas, who had served as the opener on Thursday, was hit hard in the frame.

“I thought it gave us the best chance to get out of the inning,” Quatraro said.

Cuas walked Issac Paredes on a full count. That loaded the bases for shortstop Taylor Walls. He delivered with a two-run single that scored Josh Lowe and Harold Ramirez.

“They earned those. Not every ball is going to be hit on the screws,” said Quatraro, who is managing against his former team for the first time this weekend. “They put balls in play with two strikes and got some up the middle with good placement.”

The runs were charged to Greinke. The Royals veteran allowed seven runs in 4 2/3 innings. Cuas allowed one run after Rays catcher Christian Bethancourt hit an RBI double.

Greinke has not won a road game in two years. His last road victory came on Aug. 13, 2021 against the Los Angeles Angels at Angel Stadium. Greinke also has never won at Tropicana Field. He is 0-5 in eight career appearances here.

“It was a bunch of hits, a couple bunt hits,” Greinke said. “Just ended up being really bad results.”

KC never recovered and was shut down after the third inning. The Royals’ only runs came via home runs by Nick Pratto and Salvador Perez. The Royals pounded out 11 hits, but it didn’t amount to much against Zach Eflin.

Eflin pitched six innings and allowed three runs. He struck out seven and issued two walks.

The Rays added three runs in the eighth inning to cement their victory. The Royals fell to 21-55.

Missed previous games of the series?

Game 1: Drew Waters has big night as Royals defeat Rays

Homecoming: Royals manager Matt Quatraro reflects on time in Rays organization

Here are more notables from Friday’s game:

Nick Pratto sets early tone against Rays

The Royals didn’t waste time getting on the scoreboard Friday. Royals first baseman Pratto took Rays starter Eflin deep in the first inning.

Pratto hit a leadoff home run into the right-field seats. It was his fifth homer this season and gave the Royals a 1-0 lead.

Pratto nailed a 90.4 mph cutter that stayed out over the plate. The blast traveled 372 feet and had a 107.2 mph exit velocity.

The solo shot was Pratto’s second career leadoff home run. The first came on June 3 against the Colorado Rockies.

Salvador Perez exits with late injury

Royals captain Perez exited Friday’s game with a right hamstring cramp. He is considered day-to-day after being replaced at catcher in the sixth inning by Freddy Fermin.

Perez was checked out by the Royals’ training staff in the fifth inning. He ultimately stayed behind the plate to complete that inning.

Royals manager Quatraro said Perez would be evaluated ahead of Saturday’s game.

“It’s just a cramp, and we will see if we can hydrate him and get it to go away,” Quatraro said.

Royals place Matt Beaty on injured list

The Royals made a roster move ahead of Friday’s game. KC placed infielder Matt Beaty on the 7-day concussion injured list.

Beaty was involved in an on-field collision with teammate Samad Taylor against the Detroit Tigers. Beaty was removed from Wednesday’s game and received further evaluation.

He was initially listed as day-to-day. The Royals said the injury designation is retroactive to June 22.

In a corresponding move, the Royals recalled Nate Eaton from Triple-A Omaha.

What’s next: The Royals continue their four-game set with the Rays on Saturday. Jordan Lyles is scheduled to start Saturday afternoon, while Daniel Lynch is set to pitch in the series finale on Sunday.