Kansas City Royals beat New York Mets on ‘balk-off’ in 10th inning. Here’s how it went
The Kansas City Royals looked a little different against the New York Mets on Tuesday night.
The Royals dealt pitchers Scott Barlow, Ryan Yarbrough and Jose Cuas at the 2023 MLB trade deadline. But KC still had the steady presence of veteran Zack Greinke, who allowed one run and four hits in five innings of work.
Greinke would earn a no-decision, but the Royals made sure to end the night on a good note with a 7-6 extra-inning victory over the Mets.
In the 10th inning, the Royals loaded the bases against incoming reliever Josh Walker. Before he could throw a pitch, the umpire charged him with a balk. Walker disengaged from the mound and Royals outfielder MJ Melendez scored on the play.
The Royals improved to 33-75 this season and won their fourth consecutive game.
“I’ve never seen a game end like that,” Royals second baseman Samad Taylor said. “I’ve seen it end on base on balls, wild pitches and stuff like that. I’ve never seen a game end on a balk.”
The Royals rebounded after squandering a 3-1 lead in the eighth inning. The Mets took advantage of KC’s shaky bullpen by scoring five late runs.
Three Royals relievers surrendered runs. Carlos Hernandez gave up a two-run homer in the 10th inning to Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez, and Dylan Coleman and Austin Cox surrendered three runs combined.
The Royals responded at each turn. in the bottom of the eighth, catcher Freddy Fermin hit a sacrifice fly to score outfielder MJ Melendez to tie the game.
Later, Melendez returned the favor. He singled in the 10th and shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. scored from second base.
“It’s obviously not ideal (if) that’s how you have to do it,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “But to fight right back, it’s a team game. ...
“Today we needed some extra runs and we were able to do it.”
The Royals had nine hits. Taylor went 2 for 3 with a double and scored on a sacrifice fly by third baseman Maikel Garcia.
Garcia finished 1 for 3 with two RBIs. Witt and Melendez both collected RBIs as well.
“It’s good for our confidence as a team to know we can do it,” Melendez said of the victory. “We know and believe that. To actually get it done, especially against really talented teams, it’s a big thing for us. We are looking to keep that going.”
ROYALS TRADE DEADLINE CENTRAL
Pitcher swap: Royals trade pitchers Scott Barlow, Ryan Yarbrough in separate deals
New addition: Royals acquire Tucker Davidson from Los Angeles Angels
Nicky’s thank-you: Former Royals standout Nicky Lopez pens message to fans after trade to Chicago Cubs
Here are more notables from Tuesday’s game:
Greinke turns in strong outing
Greinke was in vintage form against the Mets. He generated 12 called strikes and five whiffs while relying on his fastball and slider.
He also utilized his changeup to induce soft contact. The Mets averaged a 72.8 mph exit velocity against the pitch.
“The pitches were pretty sharp and the location was really good,” Greinke said. “Some good defense and some balls kinda hit right at people. But, there was a couple nice plays too.”
There were few mistakes in his start. In the second inning, Mets star Pete Alonso hit his 31st home run into the outfield seats.
“You know you can’t mistakes to him as it was a fastball right down the middle,” Greinke said. “It’s still an impressive hit. It was a bad pitch and (I) try not to make that mistake too often.”
The Royals recovered in the fifth to tie the game. While Grienke earned a no-decision, he lowered his career mark against the Mets. He has allowed 23 earned runs in 61 2/3 innings across 10 career starts against them.
Greinke hasn’t lost to the Mets since June 13, 2004.
Royals announce roster moves after trade deadline
The Royals were busy at Tuesday’s MLB trade deadline of 5 p.m. Central Time. KC traded closer Scott Barlow and starting pitcher Ryan Yarbrough in separate deals late Tuesday afternoon.
Barlow goes to the San Diego Padres. In return, the Royals add two minor-league pitchers. Yarbrough was shipped to the Los Angeles Dodgers for another pair of prospects.
KC recalled a trio of relievers to fill the open roster spots. Angel Zerpa, Jackson Kowar and James McArthur were elevated from Triple-A Omaha.
The Royals also returned infielder Matt Beaty from his rehab assignment. He was reinstated from the seven-day concussion injured list.
What’s next: The Royals will continue their three-game set against the Mets on Wednesday. KC’s Cole Ragans will draw the start against Kodai Senga. Brady Singer will start for the Royals in the series finale on Thursday.
This story was originally published August 1, 2023 at 10:41 PM.
