Although the Kansas City Royals are 7-12 after Thursday's 10-9 loss to the Detroit Tigers, their hitting provided a silver lining. They had several different players contribute, which is a sign of the lineup's potential.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro spoke about the offense postgame, via MLB.com.

"There were a lot of positives offensively today. Obviously the big inning, but we chipped away earlier than that," he said. "We got it back to 6-2, adding on the extra run. But yeah, there were great at-bats throughout that seventh inning, even positives before that. Vinnie [Pasquantino] had a bunch of productive swings, good at-bats earlier in the game as well. Salvy [Salvador Perez] as well. There were a lot of bright spots. Bobby [Witt Jr.] I think had three hits. Overall, a lot of productive outs and a lot of productive at-bats."

Rookie catcher Carter Jensen tied the game 1-1 with an RBI single in the fourth inning before Kansas City fell behind 6-1 entering the top of the sixth. Perez then hit a sacrifice fly to bring the score to 6-2 before a six-run rally in the seventh.

Right fielder Jac Caglianone started the rally with an RBI single before third baseman Maikel Garcia and Witt each had RBI singles as well. Perez then launched a three-run homer to left, giving the Royals an 8-6 lead. 

Pasquantino scored Kansas City's final run on a solo homer in the ninth, giving the squad a 9-7 lead. However, setup man Lucas Erceg blew the save in the bottom frame, and the Royals lost on a walkoff single by infielder Colt Keith. Erceg is filling in at closer for fellow right-hander Carlos Estevez (foot).

Kansas City needs its offense to play as it did on Thursday more often. The club scored just two runs or fewer in seven of its eight preceding games, and that type of production won't be enough to compete in the AL Central.

But if Thursday is the sign of a new trend, the Royals are in good shape. That especially applies to Pasquantino, who's slahsing just .155/.244/.347. The 28-year-old hitting a clutch homer in the ninth was a much-needed respite from the slump he's been on.

Every player in the Royals' lineup had a hit except for center fielder Kyle Isbel on Thursday, and three had multiple hits. Witt led the way, as he went 3-for-5 with three runs scored and one RBI.

Up next for Kansas City is a three-game road series against the New York Yankees before heading home to host the Baltimore Orioles and Los Angeles Angels. Friday's game against the Yankees starts at 7:05 p.m. ET, and right-handed pitcher Michael Wacha will start for the Royals against right-hander Cam Schlittler.