Dyson slides past bag for big out in Royals loss

After that, Jeff Francoeur flied out and the Royals lost to the Los Angeles Angels 4-3 Sunday.

"We put Dyson in in those situations and he can steal a base, pitchout or not pitchout," Royals manager Ned Yost said. "The problem is it takes him 20 feet to slow down."

Dyson was off on the first pitch, but Kevin Jespen pitched out.

"I got a good jump," Dyson said. "I don't like to peek in to see what the catcher's doing. I like to listen and I heard the mitt pop way too early. I was pushing it and slid way too hard. I've got to clean that up. I have to be safe right there."

Everybody in the stadium knows I'm going. I like the challenge. I figure if I get that bag we've got a good chance. I come off the bag sometimes. It depends on a lot of things. It depends on the dirt. There are a lot of excuses I can use, but I didn't get the job done there."

Mark Trumbo hit a three-run homer and Dan Haren pitched effectively into the sixth inning as the Angels won two of three at Kauffman Stadium.

Trumbo, who had hit just .177 with 62 strikeouts in his previous 37 games to drop his average from .306 to .268, homered off Will Smith (5-8) in the second inning.

Haren (11-11) improved to 3-1 in his past four starts, holding the Royals to three runs, two earned, and five hits, while walking one and striking out five. He also moved to 4-0 in five career starts at Kansas City.

Torii Hunter, who has 17 RBIs in his past 18 games, singled home Erick Aybar in the first inning.

"When we got down 4-0 I knew we had to hold it right there and to Will's credit, he did it, with the help of great defense and some really great relay throws," Royals manager Ned Yost said.

Outfielder Jason Bourgeois had two assists as the Royals threw out Albert Pujols trying to stretch a double into a triple and Erick Aybar, who was trying to from first to second after a second inning single.

After Haren departed, the Royals managed just one hit off Angels relievers Nick Maronde, Garrett Richards, Scott Downs, Jordan Walden and Kevin Jespen.