The Royals led in the 9th, 10th and 11th innings. How did Saturday’s game slip away?

The Kansas City Royals fell short of the Detroit Tigers on Saturday night. And it ultimately cost them.

The two teams battled it out at Comerica Park before Tigers shortstop Wenceel Perez scored the game-winning single in the 11th inning to give Detroit a 6-5 victory.

The Royals had their chances to win the game. Earlier in the 11th inning, Royals slugger Hunter Renfroe hit a game-winning RBI single. Renfroe drove home reliever Dairon Blanco after he stole third base, which was awarded on an official review.

However, the Royals bullpen was unable to close the door — repeatedly. The Royals led at the end of the ninth, tenth, and eleventh innings.

Instead, KC is 62-50, snapping a five-game winning streak.

New Royals reliever Hunter Harvey squandered a save opportunity in the ninth inning, allowing two runs as the Tigers rallied from a deficit to send the game into extra innings.

Harvey allowed three hits, including a home run, in his only inning. The Royals took a 4-3 lead into extra innings on a sacrifice fly by Bobby Witt Jr.

Still, the Tigers kept responding. In the 11th inning, the game rested on the shoulders of closer James McArthur. The second-year pitcher hit a game-winning single to improve Detroit to 53-59.

Missed the previous games in the series?

Game 1: Vinnie Pasquantino hits two home runs as Royals win Game 1 of the Series

Game 2: Royals score nine straight in 9-2 win over Tigers

Here are some notable highlights from Saturday’s match:

New Royals members contribute early

The Kansas City Royals’ newest additions paid off immediately this weekend against the Detroit Tigers.

Royals starter Lucas Erceg got out of trouble in Friday’s game. A day later, Royals starter Michael Lorenzen and infielder Paul DeJong lifted the Royals early at Comerica Park.

DeJong hit a game-winning two-run home run in the seventh inning, his 19th of the season and first with the Royals. The shot sailed over the left-field wall as KC created much-needed distance.

Lorenzen, meanwhile, was steady on the mound. He threw 5 ⅔ innings, allowing one run in his return to Detroit. Lorenzen spent part of the 2023 campaign with the Tigers before being traded midway through the season.

Lorenzen was effective in his outing. He allowed five hits, two walks and recorded five strikeouts. He threw 54 of 84 balls for strikes, recording 11 swings and nine whiffs in his inning.

Royals Shuffle Lineup Card

The Royals had a unique look at the top of the lineup Saturday, with Royals designated hitter Freddy Fermin being promoted to the opener against the Tigers.

Fermin, who entered the game on a 10-game hitting streak, has been consistently hitting .364 with three multi-hit games in recent weeks.

“He definitely deserved more playing time with the quality of his hitting and that streak,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said before the game.

But… Fermin was 0 for 5 and ended his scoring streak.

Still, he had a chance to open the game as the Royals looked to face Tigers opener Tyler Holton, who faced several right-handed batters.

“My message to Freddy was: Just do your thing,” Quatraro said. “… Just have fun, like he did all the time.”

What’s next on the KC Royals schedule?

The Royals are coming off a four-game series with the Tigers, with KC right-handed starter Michael Wacha starting Sunday in the series finale.

Wacha is 7-2 with a 2.56 ERA in his last 12 starts, winning his last four decisions over that span, tying his longest winning streak heading into 2024.

The Tigers have not yet announced the starting lineup for Sunday’s game.