Mariners Lose 8–6 to Royals Amid Defensive Lapses and Pitching Missteps

Seattle fell to Kansas City 8–6 on Sunday. Julio Rodríguez opened with a solo homer off starter Seth Lugo. Bryan Woo held the Royals scoreless through four innings; a fifth-inning string of walks, a throwing error on a bunt, and an intentional walk loaded the bases. Salvador Perez then singled to give Kansas City a 3–2 lead, and Carter Jensen doubled to extend it. The Royals added runs in the sixth, seventh and eighth. The loss left Seattle at 25–29, while Kansas City earned its first consecutive win since early May.

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Manager Dan Wilson ordered an intentional walk to load the bases with Vinnie Pasquantino, saying it was discussed on the bench. Pitcher Bryan Woo later said he was unaware of the plan. Wilson kept Woo on for left-handed Carter Jensen. Seattle committed three errors, including Woo’s throwing error on Kyle Isbel’s bunt. Woo’s line was 4  2/3 innings, four runs, six hits, two walks, two strikeouts. Royals starter Seth Lugo (2–4) gave up one run in the first inning and finished with three runs over seven innings.

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Wilson said the loss was “not how we wanted it to go,” urging the team to “turn the page quickly” and “weather the storm” for consistent play, calling it a “tough day all around.” Woo accepted full responsibility for the fifth inning, saying it was “completely on me.”

Seattle Times

Analysts called Seattle’s defense “sloppy,” citing three errors and an overly aggressive approach at the plate. Keeping Woo on for Jensen despite his poor left-handed split was questioned, as was the communication lapse on the intentional walk.

Seattle Times

Wilson said the intentional-walk plan was discussed on the bench; Woo later claimed he didn’t know it was coming. No Royals comments appear in the sources.

Seattle Times

• “It’s not how we wanted it to go at all, but again, we’ve got to turn the page quickly and get ready for where we’re headed.” — Dan Wilson, Mariners manager

Seattle Times

• “I want to make the play, and I want to make the out. There are probably some times you need to be smart about it. But I’m always going to try and make the play.” — Bryan Woo, Mariners pitcher

Seattle Times

• “I take full responsibility for how that inning went.” — Bryan Woo

Seattle Times

• “Honestly, it was such a long inning and I was just really focused on defense in that (fifth) inning,” — Julio Rodríguez

Seattle Times

Seattle heads to Oakland to open a series against the Athletics, with Emerson Hancock starting. Kansas City will host the Yankees for a Memorial Day game, with Michael Wacha on the mound for the Royals.

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