Jason LaRue his second home run of the season, but that was the only run the Kansas City Royals could muster as they were downed 5-1 by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays Sunday afternoon at Tropicana Field.

The lack of clout in the Royals’ bats – just five hits – wasted a good performance by starter and losing pitcher Scott Elarton (1-2), who gave up four earned runs in 5 2/3 innings. Former Royal J.P. Howell (1-0) pitched 8 innings giving up the one earned run on five hits to earn the win.

The Royals (21-36) get back into action Monday afternoon when they wrap up their series with the Devil Rays in Florida. Gil Meche (3-4) goes to the mound for Kansas City against Tampa Bay’s James Shields (4-0).