Bumpy start for Singer, failed comeback in the ninth inning leads to 5-4 defeat against Boston

Brady Singer was taken out of the game after less than three innings and the Royals missed a chance to come back in the ninth inning, losing the series finale to the Red Sox 5-4 on Sunday afternoon.

Adam Frazier stunned Red Sox starter Brayan Bello with a home run, his third of the year. But Brady Singer gave up the lead in the bottom half of the inning, allowing a two-run home run to All-Star Rafael Devers. He also struggled in the second inning, when Wily Abreu led with a double and Dominic Smith followed with a two-run home run to put Boston up 4-1.

Singer allowed two more singles in the inning, but escaped further trouble and then got into a bases-loaded situation before Matt Quatraro singled him after just 2 ²⁄₃ innings, his shortest appearance since April 30 of last year when he was replaced in the third inning after allowing 8 runs to the Twins. Angel Zerpa was able to get through the inning without further injury.

The Royals scored a run in the fourth inning when Salvador Perez and Michael Massey hit singles while Salvy advanced to third base on a Hunter Renfroe grounder. MJ Melendez hit a double play ball that allowed Salvy to score, but he injured his ankle and had to leave the game. In the sixth inning, Salvy hit a solo home run, his 17th of the year, cutting the Royals deficit to one run.

The Royals got scoreless relief outings from Angel Zerpa, Sam Long and John Schreiber, but Will Smith allowed an RBI single from Dominic Smith in the eighth inning to make it 5-3. Kansas City caught up in the ninth when Hunter Renfroe came in with an infield single with one out and Garrett Hampson got a walk against closer Kenley Jansen. Freddy Fermin singled to bring home pinch-runner Dairon Blanco, but Hampson inexplicably tried to go to third base and was easily thrown out. Adam Frazier ended the threat and the game with a groundout.

The Royals finish the first half 52-45, two games behind wild-card Boston. They will take a break for the All-Star Game before returning Friday for a nine-game home series against the White Sox, Diamondbacks and Cubs.