Papelbon allowed three runs on five hits and only managed to record two outs before taking the loss Tuesday against the Royals in his second blown save of the season.

EDGE Analysis

Papelbon was singled to death, as he didn't allow an extra-base hit in the whole rally. Even though he got four swinging strikes out of his 26 pitches, only one came at the critical moment for a strikeout. The Royals have been lauded for their ability to put the ball in play throughout their run atop the American League, and this ninth inning against Papelbon was a master class in the art. Papelbon had streaks of four consecutive saves and six consecutive scoreless appearances snapped as his ERA rose from 2.38 to 4.50.