Royals Report: Bullpen Chokes Again In Walk-Off Loss

4) Royals Failed To Sustain A Strong Start

Detroit starter Michael Fullmer came into the game with a 9-2 record and a 2.11 ERA in 13 starts. Clearly, the 24-year-old rookie has been a find for the Tigers this season.

More from Kings of Kauffman

• KC Royals Rumors: Is a monster move in the cards?
• KC Royals Free Agent Hunt: 3 Tampa Bay pitchers
• Grading the 2022 KC Royals: The $25 million man
• KC Royals Winter Meetings Tracker: Expectations met
• KC Royals Winter Meetings Tracker: Day 3 update

The KC Royals scored single runs off Fullmer in the second and third innings. However, the Kansas City Royals missed a big opportunity to get Fullmer in trouble early when Salvador Perez and Alex Gordon struck out with runners on first and third after the Royals had already scored a run in the third inning.

Two hits at that juncture could have put the Tigers in big trouble. Instead, Fullmer recovered to last 8.0 innings. Fullmer really helped out his team by protecting their weak bullpen until the ninth inning.

With the score tied 2-2 and both starters out of the game, you had to think the KC Royals held the edge even in the Tigers’ home park. But Fullmer gave his team their best chance by limiting the bullpen’s exposure.

The Royals really blew it when they couldn’t pick up a second run in the third inning.

Next: Joakim Soria