Royals’ pitching staff struggles for second straight day in 10-5 loss to Athletics

The Royals’ pitching staff struggled for a second straight day as Kansas City fell 10-5 to the Oakland Athletics on Wednesday afternoon.

Starter Mike Minor threw 3 1/3 innings and allowed six runs (four earned) on seven hits. He struck out three and did not issue a walk in his third start of the spring. Minor was faced with an obstacle when center fielder Michael A. Taylor made an error with one out in the fourth inning, after which the left-hander allowed back-to-back doubles to Aramis Garcia and Ka’ai Tom. Two unearned runs scored on Tom’s hit, bringing Minor’s day to an end.

Right-hander Jake Newberry followed Minor and threw 1 2/3 innings, getting out of the fourth before allowing a Matt Olson homer to lead off the fifth. He then proceeded to retire three straight hitters to finish the inning.

Hard-throwing righty Josh Staumont was roughed up in the sixth, surrendering three earned runs on four hits and a walk.

Non-roster invitees Jake Kalish and Jake Brentz finally cooled off the Athletics over their final two innings at the plate, with each left-hander throwing a scoreless frame.

After getting shut out 13-0 by the Mariners on Tuesday night, the Royals’ offense was more lively against Oakland. Ryan McBroom hit a two-run blast, his second of the spring, off Athletics lefty A.J. Puk in the first inning. He picked up a third RBI in the third inning, driving in Taylor with a sacrifice fly.

Hunter Dozier also had a big day at the plate, going 2 for 3 and hitting a two-run homer in the fifth.

Infielder Nicky Lopez, who has struggled to get going offensively this spring, had a double for his first extra-base hit of the Cactus League slate. Top prospect Bobby Witt Jr. came off the bench and continued his torrid spring with a ninth-inning single.

The Royals are back in action on Thursday afternoon, visiting the White Sox at Camelback Ranch in Glendale, Arizona. Kris Bubic will make his first start of the Cactus League schedule after posting a 7.20 ERA in three relief appearances this spring.