If there’s one pitcher the Royals have been able to count on this season, without any hesitation that he would crumple, it was closer Kelvin Herrera.
He’d amassed an 0.60 ERA in 16 games, collected eight saves and limited batters to a .170 average in 14 2/3 innings.
But on Tuesday at Kauffman Stadium, he allowed three hits, including a two-out single to Joey Wendle that gave the Rays a ninth-inning lead in the Royals’ 6-5 loss.
Before he lofted a fly ball to right field, stranding a runner at first base and ending the game, Whit Merrifield had given the Royals hope.