Royals' struggles continue in road loss to Rangers

Jaylon Thompson, The Kansas City Star on May 29, 2026

Published in Baseball

By clicking submit, I authorize Arcamax and its affiliates to: (1) use, sell, and share my information for marketing purposes, including cross-context behavioral advertising, as described in our Privacy Policy , (2) add to information that I provide with other information like interests inferred from web page views, or data lawfully obtained from data brokers, such as past purchase or location data, or publicly available data, (3) contact me or enable others to contact me by email or other means with offers for different types of goods and services, and (4) retain my information while I am engaging with marketing messages that I receive and for a reasonable amount of time thereafter. I understand I can opt out at any time through an email that I receive, or by clicking here

ARLINGTON, Texas — The Kansas City Royals’ offensive struggles followed them across state lines in Friday’s series-opening 9-1 loss to the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field.

And this time, there were a few defensive mistakes as well.

In the first inning, the Rangers took advantage of two key errors. After Rangers shortstop Ezequiel Duran hit a two-out single to plate two runs, the Royals gift-wrapped the Rangers an additional pair.

Texas outfielder Alejandro Osuna got aboard on Nick Loftin’s throwing error. Loftin threw wildly to first base as Vinnie Pasquantino was pulled off the bag. The mistake allowed a run to score and put runners on first and third.

Osuna later stole second base and advanced on another throwing error. This time, Royals catcher Salvador Perez threw high of Loftin covering second base. This allowed Rangers star Evan Carter — who previously got aboard with a two-out double — to score.

All four first-inning runs, two earned, came against Royals right-handed starter Stephen Kolek.

Kolek battled through five innings. In the fifth, he allowed a two-run homer to Rangers outfielder Brandon Nimmo. The blast traveled 435 feet over the right-field wall.

As a result, Kolek suffered his first loss of the 2026 campaign. He was hit hard after tossing a complete-game shutout against the Seattle Mariners last weekend.

Later in the game, former Royals infielder Nicky Lopez got revenge on his old mates. He belted a two-run homer off right-hander Steven Cruz. On Wednesday, Lopez was signed by the Rangers after veteran Andrew McClutchen was designated for assignment.

The Royals fell to 22-35 on the season. They have lost four consecutive games and 14 of their last 17 this month.

Royals offense continues to scuffle

Prior to Friday’s game, the Royals made a significant change to their batting order. The club inserted outfielder Lane Thomas in the leadoff spot and dropped Maikel Garcia to the third spot in the order.

The goal was to create more traffic on the basepaths. Thomas, who excels against left-handed pitchers, got an advantageous spot to produce. Meanwhile, Garcia would have a chance to spark the middle of the order with his on-base prestige.

The alternate lineup didn’t produce results. Garcia recorded two hits, but the Royals couldn’t scratch a run across against Rangers left-hander MacKenzie Gore.

Gore tossed 6 and 1/3 scoreless innings. He issued one walk and recorded three strikeouts as he shut down the Royals.

KC had an early scoring chance fall by the wayside. In the first inning, Garcia and Perez recorded a pair of two-out hits. However, they were stranded on base as designated hitter Starling Marte grounded out to end the threat.

Gore would scatter two additional hits. He won his fourth game and has now stymied the Royals twice in his career.

KC finished 1 for 6 with runners in scoring position and left seven men on base. In their last three games, the Royals have been outscored 31-2 by opponents.

Pasquantino drove home the lone run in the ninth inning.

What’s next?

Royals right-hander Seth Lugo (2-4, 3.74 ERA) will start opposite Rangers righty Kumar Rocker (2-5, 3.96 ERA) in Saturday’s afternoon game. First pitch is set for 3:05 p.m. Central Time at Globe Life Field.