CLEVELAND — With the score tied in the bottom of the eighth inning, Kansas City Royals reliever Collin Snider gave up three runs courtesy of Andres Gimenez’s fifth home run of the season. That blast completely changed the complexion of the game.
The Royals had just scored two runs in the top half of the eighth to pull even, but the Guardians swung the game against Snider and added an unearned run on a Bobby Witt Jr. throwing error to take a four-run advantage.
The Royals couldn’t overcome the deficit in the final inning and fell 7-3 in the opener of a three-game series in front of an announced 15,271 at Progressive Field on Monday night.
Nicky Lopez went 3 for 4 with a run scored, while Andrew Benintendi and rookie MJ Melendez had two hits apiece. Whit Merrifield had a hit, an RBI and a run scored for the Royals (16-31). Royals rookie starting pitcher Jonathan Heasley turned in a quality start. He allowed three runs, six hits, one home run and three walks in six innings. He struck out three and did not factor in the decision.
