Royals eliminated by Fried in 3-0 loss to Braves

The Royals got little offense off Braves starter Max Fried as they lost 3-0 to Atlanta on Friday night.

Brady Singer worked around two walks in the first inning and retired eight of the next nine batters, with the lone batter reaching base on an error by Michael Massey. In the fourth, Jorge Soler reached base with an one-out single. Ramon Laureano hit a slow grounder that had the potential to become an inning-ending double play. But Bobby Witt Jr. had switched and slowly reached second place and his throw to first came too late. One batter later, Singer hung an 0-2 pitch to Sean Murphy, who made him pay with a two-run homerun.

Singer was otherwise sharp, leaving after six innings with just four hits, three walks and two runs allowed, striking out five. It was his 13th quality start of the season.

But he couldn’t match Max Fried, who was one of the best pitchers in baseball this year and looked dominant tonight. He was in complete control for the first eight innings and allowed only three baserunners. The Royals put together their best rally in the ninth with two outs. Bobby Witt Jr. walked and Michael Massey doubled, giving Salvador Perez a chance to tie the game. The Braves brought in closer Raisel Iglesias and he needed just one pitch to send Salvy flying to left to end the game.

The Royals fall to 85-75, but can still clinch a playoff spot if the Twins lose to the Orioles tonight. Kansas City will have a chance to even the series tomorrow night at 6:20 CT with Seth Lugo on the mound.