ST. PETERSBURG -- Royals left-hander Danny Duffy was back in form as he returned from the disabled list on Thursday and tossed five productive innings.
Duffy gave up two runs and six hits, but he worked out of trouble early and struck out seven. However, the Royals were walked off in the ninth by the Rays, 4-3, when rookie first baseman Ryan O'Hearn made a throwing error to home plate with the bases loaded and one out at Tropicana Field. Tampa Bay swept the four-game series.
The Royals were officially eliminated from the American League Central race and the postseason.