For the first time in days, the Royals can't blame a loss on their starting pitcher.
The Royals lost 2-1 to the Rays on Monday at Kauffman Stadium, sure. But they also saw rookie starter Eric Skoglund throw a career-high 7 2/3 innings, receive a standing ovation from a sparse crowd and surrender no free passes.
In each of his 11 previous major-league starts, Skoglund issued at least one walk. He issued none Monday and struck out four while allowing two runs on seven hits.
All the Royals needed was length from a starting pitcher. And on Monday, Skoglund provided that in multiple ways.