How the KC Royals lost the third game of a key series against the Cleveland Guardians

The Kansas City Royals celebrated Bo Jackson on Saturday afternoon. The legendary two-sport athlete received his place in the Royals Hall of Fame.

Much like his tenure in KC, the Royals have played relentlessly, earning them two crucial wins in the crucial four-game series against the AL Central-leading Cleveland Guardians.

However, the Royals were unable to secure a third straight win, with the Guardians taking a 7-2 victory in the third game of the series at Kauffman Stadium on Saturday.

Royals top pitcher Cole Ragans allowed five earned runs in 4 2/3 innings in the loss. Ragans struggled to keep the ball in the field while the Guardians hit two home runs, including a controversial one, to improve their record to 52-29 on the season.

KC couldn’t keep up. The Royals’ Vinnie Pasquantino and Michael Massey both hit home runs, but the Royals’ lineup only managed four more hits against the Guardians’ pitchers.

Cleveland right-hander Tanner Biebee allowed two earned runs in six innings, earning his seventh win of the season.

The Royals fell to 46-39 and will look to win the home series on Sunday.

Missed previous games in the series?

Game 1: Royals’ outstanding bullpen performance secures 2-1 win over Guardians

Game 2: KC offense comes to life in big home win against Guardians

Here are other notable aspects of Saturday’s game:

By honest or dishonest means?

The Royals lost a controversial replay on Saturday.

In the fourth inning, Guardians outfielder Jhonkensy Noel hit a two-run home run that landed near the foul post in left field.

However, to the naked eye, it looked like the baseball had landed in foul territory, prompting the umpires to order a replay of the game.

From several camera angles it was clear that the baseball had not crossed the field. However, the question remained whether the baseball had touched the yellow foul post.

Because it was difficult to tell whether the baseball actually made contact, the decision was upheld on the field. There was no clear and conclusive evidence to nullify the home run.

What’s next on the KC Royals’ schedule?

The Royals conclude their four-game series against the Guardians on Sunday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium.

Right-hander Seth Lugo will start the series finale. He is the MLB’s leader in wins with 10 and will look to build on his last performance. Lugo pitched six scoreless innings against the Miami Marlins on Tuesday.

The Guardians will send left-hander Logan Allen to the mound. He has an 8-3 record and a 5.72 ERA this season.