Despite the fact that the KC Royals came back to tie the Seattle Mariners in the 8th inning, the bullpen gave it right back, as the M’s won 7-6. The Royals were swept in the four-game series.

Will Smith kept the game close, as he started opposite M’s ace Felix Hernandez. He ended up allowing three runs on seven hits over six innings. He struck out four and did not walk a batter. King Felix survived taking a line drive off his hand to pitch seven innings. He allowed two runs on five hits and two walks.

The Royals bullpen gave up two runs in the 7th inning on a Kyle Seager two out, two-run single.

Then the Royals offense came back against three Mariners relievers. Billy Butler drove in the first run with a one out single. Eric Hosmer tied the game with a two out, two-run single. They had the chance to take the lead, as Hosmer advanced to third base on a throwing error, but Yuniesky Betancourt struck out to end the inning.

But the Royals bullpen gave it right back in the bottom of the 8th inning. Lefty Jose Mijares entered and immediately gave up a double to Mike Carp. Carp would score on Trayvon Robinson‘s sac bunt, that Mijares fielded and threw away. Greg Holland then entered, and with one out, allowed an RBI single to Casper Wells to end the M’s scoring.

Even though the Mariners were bad with runners in scoring position, the Royals were worse. They went just 3-for-13 and struck out ten times.

*Mike Moustakas sat out on Sunday and the Royals will see how he feels after the off-day on Monday.

*For more on the Mariners, check out Needle Ball.