Royals bullpen craters again in extra-inning loss at Reds

Jaylon Thompson, The Kansas City Star on Jun 2, 2026

Published in Baseball

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The Kansas City Royals have searched for ways to ignite their offense.

They might’ve found a potential spark on Tuesday in Cincinnati ... although it was washed away in a 4-3 loss to the Reds in 10 innings at Great American Ball Park.

The Royals utilized a small-ball approach in the fourth inning and it led to a early three-run lead. Starting pitcher Noah Cameron was brilliant, too, save for a solo home run — he struck out eight batters in seven innings of one-hit baseball.

One day after halting a six-game losing streak, the bullpen was the culprit once again. Handed a 3-2 lead in the ninth, closer Lucas Erceg gave up a tying home run to pinch-hitter Will Benson.

It was Erceg’s third consecutive blown save, following one at home against the New York Yankees on May 25 and another on the road against the Texas Rangers on Saturday.

In the 10th, with Spencer Steer at second base to begin the inning, Reds outfielder Blake Dunn hit an RBI single off right-hander John Schreiber, who relieved Erceg, to win it.

Schreiber took the loss in relief and the Royals fell to 22-38. They will seek a road series victory on Wednesday night.

Cincinnati improved to 31-29.

Royals’ offense strikes early

Royals captain Salvador Perez began the visitors’ big fourth inning with a leadoff single.

Starling Marte moved him over with a bunt single of his own. This led to a run-scoring opportunity and Jac Caglianone recorded an RBI groundout.

Two batters later, Michael Massey worked a lengthy at-bat, fouling off several offerings. He battled Reds starter Andrew Abbott across nine pitches before swatting a two-run single up the middle.

Since April 21, Massey is hitting .280 with five homers and 16 RBIs.

Abbott labored in the fourth inning. He threw 31 pitches and was charged with all three runs as the Royals sent nine batters to the plate.

Prior to Tuesday’s action, KC was just 2-13 against left-handed starting pitchers. Abbott settled for a no-decision after allowing four walks across 105 pitches.

Career night for Noah Cameron

Royals starter Noah Cameron had a career night on the road.

He retired 21 of 22 batters he faced and kept the Reds off the scoreboard — with one mistake.

Cameron’s seven innings tied his career high and he struck out eight. He didn’t allow a walk and threw 67 of 81 pitches for strikes. Steer’s solo homer came the fifth inning.

Per Baseball Savant, Cameron registered 44 swings and 17 called strikes Tuesday evening. He evenly distributed his two fastballs and off-speed pitches. And his curveball was effective, as it generated four whiffs on five swings.

The Royals’ bullpen was shaky before Erceg served up the game-tying homer that sent it to extras. Steer belted his second homer of the night in the eighth off KC left-hander Matt Strahm.

The Royals left the go-ahead run stranded in the 10th and Cincinnati took advantage for a comeback victory. The Royals suffered another crushing defeat and are now 16-15 in 2026 when their pitcher tosses a quality start.

Royals’ roster updates

The Royals recalled right-handed pitcher Beck Way from Triple-A Omaha on Tuesday.

He had a 4.50 ERA and 42 strikeouts in 30 minor-league innings. He was acquired from the Yankees in 2022 — he was involved in the trade that sent Andrew Benintendi to New York at the MLB deadline.

In a corresponding move Tuesday, the Royals optioned Eli Morgan to the minors.

What’s next?

Right-hander Stephen Kolek (3-1, 3.48 ERA) will start Wednesday’s series finale against Cincinnati at Great American Ball Park. He will oppose Reds veteran RHP Chris Paddack (0-7, 6.90 ERA), with first pitch set for 6:10 p.m. Central Time.