The short-lived hot streak will not be continuing for Kansas City. A less-than-effective pitching effort from Will Smith along with a subpar offensive performance sunk the Royals in game one of their series against the Tampa Bay Rays, falling 5-1.
Smith ended up lasting only three and two-third innings and gave up four runs on eight hits. He never had a meltdown inning but repeatedly gave up runs and was pulled before the fourth had ended. Along with the 11 hits, the Royals pitching staff did themselves no favors by giving the Rays three walks as well.
Offensively, the Royals managed one run on seven hits, the RBI being provided by Alex Gordon in the third inning. Gordon was the only Royal to put together a multi-hit game. On the other side of things was Lorenzo Cain, who wore the sombrero with three strikeouts and never reaching first base. Jeremy Hellickson went seven innings with six strikeouts against the hapless Royals offense.
The Royals will get a chance to avenge the loss in game two against the Rays on Tuesday.
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