Outfielder Jorge Bonifacio’s return from the restricted list, where he spent 80 games suspended for testing positive for the performance-enhancing substance Boldenone, did not provide a spark for the Royals' offense as they opened a three-game set at Safeco Field against the 52-win Mariners.
Bonifacio was 0 for 3 as the Royals were held to six hits by Mariners starting pitcher Marco Gonzales, who threw a complete game, in Friday night’s 4-1 loss.
Home runs did the Royals in. Their starters have allowed 77 homers this season. Only the Orioles, Rangers and Reds have yielded more.
The Mariners only tallied three hits against Royals starter Ian Kennedy, who allowed three runs in five innings before being removed for precautionary reasons when he felt a muscle in his left side tighten.