Kansas City Royals’ win streak reaches 7 games with historic night in Philadelphia
Kansas City Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. made a historic transaction at Citizens Bank Park on Friday night.
In the third inning, Witt hit his 20th home run against Philadelphia Phillies ace Aaron Nola. He blasted an 85.3 mph cutter into the left-field seats. Nola turned away in disgust as the baseball sailed 410 feet into the night sky. Phillies fans also showed their disinterest with a chorus of boos.
Witt had made MLB history. He became the first MLB player with at least 20 home runs and 30 stolen bases in each of his first two big-league seasons.
“It’s special,” Witt detailed of the moment. “I feel like if you are getting booed that means you are in a great atmosphere. It kind of fires you up.”
Witt also joined Ichiro Suzuki (2001-02) and Elvis Andrus (2009-10) as the lone players this century with at least 30 stolen bases each of their first two seasons.
He finished 2 for 5 with two RBIs on the night. KC cruised to a 7-5 victory and extended the club’s winning streak to seven games after a perfect 6-0 homestand.
“I didn’t know that was a thing until I think they grabbed my bat during the game,” Witt said. “I was looking for my bat and I didn’t know where it was. They said they authenticated it. I said, ‘Can I use it?’ And they said no. That’s when they kind of told me.”
Witt has had plenty of special moments of late, including a recent walk-off grand slam. Things have been going that way for KC on the current win streak.
On Friday, the Royals got production throughout the lineup. Outfielder Edward Olivares hit two doubles and second baseman Michael Massey homered. Darion Blanco added three RBIs on the night and stole three bases.
Blanco, known for his elite speed, is the first player in a decade to record three RBIs and three stolen bases in the same game, the Royals said. Jose Altuve did it last on Sept. 10, 2013.
Royals starter Jordan Lyles did enough to limit the Phillies. He allowed five runs and eight hits in 5 2/3 innings of work while generating nine called strikes and seven whiffs.
“It wasn’t great,” Lyles said of his start. “We got enough to get deep enough to put up that four spot in the sixth. I kept missing with a lot of breaking balls over the zone. They were making me pay with some bad pitches.
“Luckily, a win is a win. Count it up as a win. Sign me up any day of the week for that.”
Lyles, who has been trending up, improved to 3-12 this season. Phillies outfielder Nick Castellanos tagged Lyles with a two-run homer in the first inning. Later, outfielder Johan Rojas recorded a two-run double.
The Royals picked up Lyles with a four-run sixth inning. KC also got a strong bullpen performance, as relievers Dylan Coleman, Carlos Hernandez — who is primed for even more bullpen responsibility after the Scott Barlow trade — Nick Wittgren and Austin Cox secured the victory.
Cox earned his first career save on Friday night.
“My adrenaline was through the roof,” Cox said. “I couldn’t have told you what was going on the whole time I was out on the mound.”
Royals’ transactions from Friday
Leading up to their seventh consecutive win, the Royals made a couple of notable moves.
Key Injury: Royals place reliever Taylor Clarke on 15-day injured list with right elbow inflammation
Welcome Aboard: Royals claim Joe Barlow off waivers from Texas Rangers
Here are more notables from Friday’s game:
Michael Massey launches massive home run
The Royals got a big lift from second baseman Michael Massey. In the sixth inning, Massey hit a solo home run that landed in the second deck above right field.
It was his ninth homer of the season. Massey drilled an 83.4 mph changeup that was left over the plate. The blast traveled 410 feet and had a 105.5 mph exit velocity.
“Honestly, it’s just trying to make a little more contact,” Massey said of his power surge. “I just feel like earlier in the year I was striking out more. You don’t give yourself a chance or your team when you don’t put the ball in play.”
Massey, who spent time on the IL earlier this year, has five home runs and 10 RBIs in his last 12 games.
Royals chase Aaron Nola in sixth inning
It’s never easy facing the Phillies star. In the sixth inning, the Royals broke through with four runs to chase Nola from the game.
Nola allowed a lead-off home run to Massey. Later, the Royals strung together consecutive at-bats that propelled them to a 6-4 lead. Royals outfielder Edward Olivares doubled and MJ Melendez drew a walk.
Nola would depart as the Phillies turned to their bullpen. The Royals took advantage of the pitching change. Royals catcher Freddy Fermin recorded an RBI double off Phillies reliever Yunior Marte.
Next, Blanco hit a two-run single to give KC a late lead. Nola allowed five runs, eight hits and struck out eight batters in 5 1/3 innings of work.
“Getting pressure on those guys in that spot was really big,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Because, you know, if you go down or tie the game, they have some pretty lock-down relievers.”
The Royals improved to 36-75.
What’s next: The Royals continue their three-game series against the Phillies. Alec Marsh will oppose Cristopher Sanchez on Saturday night. Zack Greinke faces Taijuan Walker in Sunday’s series finale.
This story was originally published August 4, 2023 at 9:30 PM.
