Royals Edge Yankees with Garcia's Walk-Off Double
Maikel Garcia delivered a game-winning two-run double off Yankees closer Clay Holmes, allowing the Kansas City Royals to avoid a four-game sweep and defeat the New York Yankees 4-3. This victory helped the Royals snap their four-game losing streak and improve their position in the AL Central standings.
Marsh's Stellar Start
Rookie pitcher Alec Marsh had a standout performance, carrying a no-hit bid into the seventh inning. Marsh allowed a leadoff single to Juan Soto in the seventh but managed to retire the next three batters, concluding his outing with 96 pitches. “I thought we had a good game plan going in,” said Marsh. “Me and [catcher Freddy Fermin] were on the same page all day. I just felt comfortable out there.”
Yankees' Comeback Attempt
Despite Marsh's efforts, the Yankees mounted a comeback in the eighth inning against reliever John Schreiber. Anthony Rizzo brought New York within one run with a homer, and a critical error by second baseman Garrett Hampson set the stage for Anthony Volpe's RBI grounder, giving the Yankees a 3-2 lead.
In the top of the ninth, Drew Waters hit an infield single against Holmes. Following a fielder's choice, Kyle Isbel singled to bring up Garcia, who delivered a liner down the left-field line, scoring MJ Melendez and Isbel. James McArthur then secured the win for Kansas City by pitching a scoreless ninth inning.
Noteworthy Performances
Nestor Cortes pitched well for the Yankees, allowing two runs over seven innings and lowering his road ERA to 5.57 from 6.17. “I thought Nestor was good,” commented Yankees manager Aaron Boone. “It was a good pitchers' duel. His fastball was playing up. He was at 90, 91, 92, but it had something on it. He had a presence on both sides. I thought he did a good job, like Marsh, of mixing things up to give us seven strong innings.”
Bobby Witt Jr. of the Royals extended his hitting streak to 14 games with a single in the fourth inning. Witt scored on Vinnie Pasquantino's two-run double, further solidifying his impact on the game. However, the Royals' sixth inning threat was cut short when Witt was caught stealing following a pickoff throw by Cortes.
Managerial Moves and Ejections
Royals manager Matt Quatraro was ejected for arguing obstruction by Gleyber Torres, adding to the game's drama. Reflecting on his team's resilience, Quatraro stated, “I couldn't be more proud of those guys. You're down. That's a really good club with an elite closer coming in. The way they hustle, the way they never quit, it's inspiring for me to come to work every day to be around these guys.”
Marsh humorously noted his manager's absence during his near no-hit performance, saying, “Quatraro told me he didn't even know I had a no-hitter going. I responded, 'Don't get tossed next time.’”
Future Outlook
The Royals hope to build on this victory as they move forward in the season, holding second place in the AL Central. Bobby Witt Jr.'s consistent performance and the team's ability to rally late in the game are positive signs for Kansas City's future games.
On the other hand, the Yankees need to regroup after letting a lead slip away in the ninth inning. Despite a strong showing from their starting pitcher, the bullpen's inability to close out the game remains a concern. “I thought we had a good game plan going in,” said Marsh, reflecting the optimism and preparedness of his team.
The Royals’ comeback victory showcased their tenacity and ability to capitalize on key moments. As the season progresses, both teams will aim to address their weaknesses and build on their strengths, setting the stage for more exciting baseball action.