Brady Singer’s rut continues as Royals inch closer to history (not the good kind)

Kansas City Royals pitcher Brady Singer drew another start against the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday afternoon. Singer was looking to shake off a lackluster performance in which he surrendered six runs last week at Kauffman Stadium.

He didn’t get the desired results.

Singer replicated his last start by allowing six more runs against the White Sox. This time, Chicago cruised to a 6-2 victory in Game 1 of Tuesday’s doubleheader.

“I struggled there in the first,” Singer said. “The command was pretty bad and obviously walked a few guys. They scored five there in the first and was quite a bit of damage. I was able to get through that, get through five (innings) and get some quick outs after that.”

Singer dropped to 8-11 on the season. He struggled early as the White Sox scored five runs in the first inning. Chicago sent six batters to the plate before recording an out. Singer surrendered four hits and two walks in the frame.

“I’m still working on the sinker,” Singer said. “It’s something we have talked about all year long and the command, too. I’m still working on throwing the changeup more, too. I threw some good ones that were able to get me out of some good situations.”

The Royals failed to recover. White Sox’s ace Dylan Cease allowed one run and struck out eight batters in 5 1/3 innings.

KC put together two rallies — in the fourth and eighth inning — to account for their offensive production. Royals designated hitter Edward Olivares drove in both runs. However, the Royals struck out 14 times against White Sox pitching.

“It’s very similar to last week, we just didn’t hit the home runs against him,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “He’s got a good slider and he gets swing and miss. His fastball is in the mid to upper 90s. He elevates when he needs to or wants too. He can be tough.”

Cease improved 7-7 this season. He has allowed four runs or less in four of his last six starts.

The Royals dropped to 44-101 and will look to even the series in Game 2 with veteran pitcher Jordan Lyles on the mound. The club record for losses in a season is 106.

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Here are more notables from Tuesday’s game:

Edward Olivares puts Royals on board in 4th inning

The Royals sputtered offensively against the White Sox on Tuesday afternoon. KC collected four hits against Cease and didn’t score until the fourth inning.

Olivares ensured there wouldn’t be a shutout. He drilled an RBI double that scored shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. for his 10th hit since returning from Triple-A Omaha earlier this month.

“He’s been putting together really good at-bats,” Quatraro said. “He is one of the guys that is consistently getting a hit, putting up a good at-bat, moving a runner or whatever the case is. That’s something that we need right now.”

Olivares finished 2-for-4 in the game. He is hitting .458 with four homers and nine RBIs in his last eight games.

Injury Notes: Austin Cox, Freddy Fermin set for surgery

The Royals provided an injury update on two key playmakers. Royals pitcher Austin Cox and catcher Freddy Fermin will be sidelined for a while.

Both players were injured in the Royals’ recent series against the Toronto Blue Jays.

Cox injured his left knee — a “confirmed full tear of the ACL,” per Quatraro — attempting to cover the first base bag. Fermin fractured his left middle finger during a catcher’s interference. It may be be up to eight weeks before Fermin is back to full activities, Quatraro said.

What’s next: The Royals play Game 2 of their doubleheader against the White Sox. Jordan Lyles will draw the start against Touki Toussaint.