Royals Report: 5 Things About Falling Short Against Seattle

5) Yordano Ventura Was OK, But Lost His Composure In 6th

The overall line looks good. Ventura went 7.0 innings, while allowing 6 hits, 1 walk, 3 earned runs, and 5 strikeouts. But, it was disappointing nonetheless.

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With two outs in the sixth inning, Ventura gave up a single to Seth Smith and a double to Robinson Cano to put runners at second and third. Nelson Cruz blasted a ball deep into the right field corner, which was initially ruled fair for a three-run home run. But, review showed the ball to be clearly foul.

Smith scored on a wild pitch by Ventura that bounced out from home plate. Then catcher Salvador Perez threw past Ventura, who was attempting to cover home, to allow the second run to score.

That little-league play put the Mariners up 3-1.

Cruz then singled to center field and Kyle Seager also followed with a hit to give the Mariners four consecutive hits in the inning. Adam Lind  smashed a grounder down the first base line, but Eric Hosmer speared the ball to save two runs.

To Ventura’s credit, he came back out for the seventh inning and retired the Mariners in order.

Even so, Yordano Ventura clearly lost his focus as the inning went south on him, and it cost the KC Royals the game.

Next: Jeremy Hellickson