ARLINGTON -- Given how stagnant their offense has been for most of 2017, it's not hard to imagine what sort of trouble the Royals would be in if their starting rotation hadn't been so spectacular at the same time. Friday's 6-2 loss against the Rangers didn't leave much to the imagination.
Once again, the Royals couldn't muster much run production; they're still last in the Majors with only 43 runs (2.7 per game). And unlike in recent games when the starting rotation saved the day, Nathan Karns had a subpar outing. He gave up six earned runs in 4 2/3 innings, walking three and allowing five hits -- with the bulk of the damage coming on two homers each by Joey Gallo and Robinson Chirinos.