Royals Report: KC Loses Season Finale 3-2 To Indians

The Royals finish the season losing four straight games after falling 3-2 against the Cleveland Indians Sunday afternoon. Kansas City finishes at exactly .500 and failed their chance to post a winning record for a fourth consecutive season.

The Kansas City Royals finish at 81-81 after losing 3-2 on Sunday afternoon.

Kansas City jumped out to a 1-0 lead on back to back doubles by Jarrod Dyson and Whit Merrifield to open the game in the first inning. However, Cleveland catcher Yan Gomes blasted a two-run shot off KC starter Ian Kennedy in the third to put the Indians ahead 2-1.

The Royals tied up the game in the fifth when Cheslor Cuthbert smacked his 12th home run of the season to lead off the inning.

Kennedy, however, gave up the winning run in the eighth when he allowed a walk to Carlos Santana followed by a double to Jason Kipnis. Kipnis’ hit only moved Santana to third, but Francisco Lindor hit a sacrifice fly to right to bring home the run.

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Overall, Kennedy lasted 7.2 innings, allowing 4 hits, 2 walks, and 3 earned runs with 3 strikeouts. Kennedy finishes the season 11-12 with a 3.68 ERA.

KC Royals manager Ned Yost once again left his starter in the game too long, but he might have wanted to give Ian Kennedy a chance earn a win in his final game of the season. After all, the outcome meant little to the team with Kansas City eliminated from the playoffs.

KC did put the tying run on base in the ninth inning against Cleveland closer Cody Allen when Salvador Perez drew a one out walk. However, Indians catcher Roberto Perez gunned down pinch runner Terrance Gore trying to steal second base for the second straight day.

The victory puts Cleveland in a position to enter the AL playoffs with home field advantage. However, Boston could force the Indians to play a makeup game if they defeat Toronto for their 94th win.

Quick Summary Of The Season

In the end, the 2016 Kansas City Royals didn’t have either the focus, or magic, of their 2015 Championship team. Injuries to All-Star players Mike Moustakas, Alex Gordon, and Lorenzo Cain compromised an offense that finished 13th in the AL in runs scored. Further, the bullpen simply wasn’t as dominant as in years past, blowing six late inning leads down the stretch.

Next: Royals Lose 6-3 To Indians After Bullpen Falters Again

In the end, NOT ONE SINGLE PLAYER on the KC Royals roster had what you can call a career year (unless, perhaps, you consider Paulo Orlando‘s 457 AB season to qualify). It’s hard to achieve anything significant without anyone having a career year.