KC Royals eliminated and Mike Matheny thrown out in loss

The KC Royals slim chances at the postseason are now gone entirely, but there are still a few games left to build towards a good start in 2021.

Until last night, there was a slim but possible chance the KC Royals could find themselves in a postseason spot. After the 5-0 loss to the Cardinals in last night’s contest, though, Kansas City is out of the postseason race.

For many, it was likely surprising the Royals were still in the race this late into the season, so that in itself could be a positive.

While the Royals may now just be playing games to end the season, it’s no time to quit. With plenty of young guys still trying to leave their mark, it’s unlikely the Royals will push anyone too hard, but will still do everything they can to stay in each game.

The Royals came away with 6 hits, none of them resulting in any runs. The offense was too quiet to keep the score close, which has become too much of a theme for this 2020 season.

Royals pitching also had a rough night, something Kansas City fans aren’t as accustomed to this season.

Brady Singer looked to have a good start after his last two great outings, but his command got him into trouble. The young pitcher went 3.0 innings, giving up 3 runs, walking 5, and striking out 4. He threw 81 pitches over those 3 innings and 44 were strikes.

Singer and manager Mike Matheny were not happy about the calls being given, and according to Jeffrey Flanagan, Matheny had some words for the home plate umpire. He was ejected from the game.

"“I walked off the field and I basically told [Gonzalez] I thought he was squeezing the kid,” Matheny said, “and he made it harder for the kid than he needed to. And he didn’t reply. And then he asked who [the reliever] was and I told him ‘Figure it out for yourself.’“That’s about how that whole thing went. I can’t really tell you what happened after that.”"

The game was quickly turned over to the bullpen, who allowed 2 runs over the next 6 innings, both Kyle Zimmer and Tyler Zuber allowing a run.

Zimmer managed to strike out 2, but also had to leave the game. He had an issue with some pain in his arm, similar to something Zimmer has had before. According to Matheny, everything seems to be fine at the moment. With the season almost over and the postseason out of reach, it’s likely Zimmer will see very limited innings, if any at all for the rest of the season.

The Royals only have a few games left, but their focus should still be on improvement. Seeing what the young players have to offer will be important for the 2021 season and will help to make decisions about the future roster.

Brady Singer and the Royals lost a tough game on Tuesday night. Hopefully, Singer will be able to forget the past and look forward to progress. The Royals will play their final game of the series against St. Louis tonight, September 23, at 7:00 p.m.