The KC Royals led 4-0 heading into the 6th inning against the Seattle Mariners and looked to be rolling along. Then Tim Collins entered in relief and things went downhill.

It started with a leadoff single for the Mariners and a single by Ichiro followed. Justin Smoak then reached on a fielder’s choice (because Mike Moustakas committed an error). Jesus Montero, who had struck out in his previous two at-bats, singled and drove in a run. Miguel Olivo followed with a three-run homerun. Kyle Seager followed with a solo homerun. Collins then walked back-to-back hitters nefore being replaced by minor leaguer Blaine Hardy.

When the 6th inning was all said and done, the Mariners led 6-4. Neither team scored after that inning.

Bruce Chen started for the Royals and pitched four scoreless innings. He allowed three hits and one walk, while striking out six. Kelvin Herrera, Aaron Crow, and Greg Holland pitched three shutout innings of relief around the 6th inning.

The Royals collected 11 hits, but scored just four runs. They went just 2-for-11 with runners in scoring position.

Has Moose finally started to get hot? That would be good for the Royals and bad for the opposition as Opening Day looms. Moose went 2-for-4 today with a run scored and three RBIs. Oh by the way, he hit his second homerun of the spring.

Alcides Escobar went 3-for-4 and Jeff Francoeur went 2-for-4 with a run scored and an RBI.

Today was the Royals last Cactus League game. They will now travel to San Diego to face the Padres for two games beginning on Tuesday.

*Eric Hosmer hit into two DPs today, giving the Royals 29 total this spring.

For more on the Mariners, check out Needle Ball.