The Kansas City Royals struggled to respond to timely offense from the Detroit Tigers, losing the second game of their weekend series 4-2 on Saturday, Aug. 23 at Comerica Park.

Jake Rogers brought in Detroit’s first run with a double in the third, scoring Javier Báez. Rogers would be tagged out in a run-down, allowing the Royals to tie the game up in the fourth with a Vinnie Pasquantino double. The Tigers regained the lead in their half of the fourth when Spencer Torkelson delivered his 27th home run of the year. Rogers would extend Detroit’s lead in the next inning with a single, which he turned into an extra base with a throwing error by Bobby Witt Junior. Witt would redeem himself with a leadoff home run in the sixth, his 19th of the season. Andy Ibáñez added insurance for Detroit in the eighth with a solo home run.

Witt was the only Royals batter with multiple hits, going three-for-four, as the Royals hit into three double plays and stranded five base runners. Michael Wacha lasted six innings and took the loss, allowing three runs on eight hits with a walk, while striking out four. Chris Paddack secured the win, allowing just one run on five hits and a walk in five innings, claiming one punchout.

The Royals (66-64) drop to 11.5 games behind Detroit in the AL Central, with a three-game deficit to the Mariners for the third wild card. KC look to avoid the sweep Sunday afternoon when Seth Lugo takes the bump against Jack Flaherty. First pitch is at 12:40 p.m., with pregame at noon on KMMO-AM 1300.

Mewanwhile, the St Louis Cardinals had an unusual off-day Saturday, following Friday’s 10-6 loss at Tampa Bay. Matthew Liberatore will get the start for the Redbirds on Sunday at 11:10 a.m. The Cardinals (64-66) will enter Sunday’s game trailing the Mets by 5.5 games for the third wild card in the National League.