The Seattle Mariners' bats went ice-cold at the worst possible time, dropping a 4-1 decision to the Kansas City Royals on Sunday at T-Mobile Park. The loss sealed a three-game sweep for the Royals, leaving Seattle (16-19) searching for answers as they head into a tough stretch.

Without catcher Cal Raleigh—sidelined with right side soreness—the Mariners' lineup struggled to find any rhythm. Seattle managed just four hits in 30 at-bats, striking out 10 times while going 0-for-2 with runners in scoring position and leaving five men on base. It was a frustrating afternoon for a team that prides itself on manufacturing runs.

"We didn't get a chance to barrel up many balls and get runners on-base and get them in," Mariners manager Dan Wilson said after the game. "We've got to bounce back here, and tomorrow against Atlanta is the day to do it."

The lone bright spot came in the bottom of the third inning. Third baseman Leo Rivas worked an eight-pitch walk, then advanced to third on a single from center fielder Julio Rodríguez. A fielder's choice off the bat of first baseman Josh Naylor brought Rivas home, giving Seattle a brief 1-0 lead.

But Kansas City answered immediately in the top of the fourth. With the bases loaded and no outs, Royals catcher Carter Jensen drew a walk to tie the game. Right fielder Jac Caglianone then grounded into a fielder's choice, scoring first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, and designated hitter Salvador Perez came home on a sacrifice fly from left fielder Isaac Collins. By the time the inning ended, the Royals had grabbed a 3-1 lead—and they never looked back.

Mariners starter Luis Castillo entered the game searching for his first quality start since March 30 against the New York Yankees. He battled through six innings, striking out five and allowing four earned runs on six hits with two walks and a hit batter. But Collins' RBI double in the sixth—scoring Caglianone—pushed the lead to 4-1 and ended any hope of a comeback.

For Castillo, it was his first time pitching through the sixth inning since that March start, a small positive in an otherwise tough afternoon. But for a Mariners team that prides itself on timely hitting and aggressive baserunning, Sunday's performance was a reminder that even the best pitching can't overcome a silent lineup.