Bobby Witt Jr.’s Matrix-esque tag a lone highlight as Royals drop finale to Red Sox
The Kansas City Royals were shut out on Thursday night. It wasn’t for a lack of opportunities in their 2-0 loss to the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park.
In fact, the score remained close thanks in part to a stellar defensive play by shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who caught a difficult throw from Freddy Fermin as the Red Sox attempted to steal, then contorted his body to make the tag.
After a challenge, which Witt immediately signaled he wanted, the Royals got the out.
It was a special highlight and part of a special week for Witt ... it just didn’t change the score.
“Freddy threw the ball and I was just trying to get the tag down as quick as possible,” Witt said. “Sometimes, I feel like that’s when I get thrown out, when the ball is kind of up the line. You’ve just got to put the tag on as quick as you can.”
The Red Sox took an early lead behind outfielder Alex Verdugo’s sacrifice fly. Later, Red Sox center fielder Adam Duvall hit an RBI double to extend the lead. KC responded with scoring chances in three consecutive innings.
However, the Royals couldn’t scratch across a run.
In the fifth inning, Royals outfielder Dairon Blanco hit a two-out triple. He remained stranded at third base.
An inning later, Witt hit a leadoff double and also advanced to third base. It was his 21st double of the season.
Witt also failed to score. He was left stranded on the bases as Red Sox reliever John Schreiber pitched around trouble.
“There are always some (missed) opportunities I feel when you go back and look at it after a game or a loss,” Witt said. “You’ve got to just learn from it and move on.”
The Royals had their best opportunity in the seventh inning. Two runners got aboard in front of Blanco and third baseman Maikel Garcia. Both players struck out as the Red Sox escaped a big inning.
“That was our best chance,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “We liked where we ended up with Maikel. You guys have seen how well he’s done in those situations. That’s a good bullpen: power-arms, good stuff, cutters, sliders. They make you work.”
The missed opportunities negated a solid outing from the Royals bullpen. Reliever Austin Cox pitched two scoreless innings. Meanwhile, rookie pitcher Alec Marsh allowed two runs in five innings of work.
“It’s just executing the game plan no matter who it is I’m coming in for,” Marsh said of his relief work. “Coming in to do my job and fill up the zone.”
The Royals were 0 for 7 with runners in scoring position. They also left seven men on base during the game.
KC dropped to 37-80 and will begin a weekend series against the St. Louis Cardinals at Kauffman Stadium on Friday night.
Missed previous games of the series?
Game 1: Royals fall 6-2 as Red Sox hit controversial walk-off slam
Game 2: Royals club 15 hits in 9-3 victory over Red Sox
Game 3: MJ Melendez hits two home runs but Royals fall 4-3
Here are more notables from Thursday’s game:
Dairon Blanco records 4th triple
The Royals were silenced against the Red Sox. The offense had their chances but couldn’t cash in on Thursday night. However, Royals outfielder Dairon Blanco was able to find success.
In the fifth inning, Blanco hit a triple into the center-field gap. He raced around the bases to give the Royals a two-out scoring chance. KC couldn’t take advantage as Garcia struck out to end the frame.
Prior to Thursday’s matchup, Blanco posted a .324 batting average with five extra-base hits and 10 RBIs in his 19 games. He also nearly hit for the cycle against the Detroit Tigers.
Blanco is tied for second on the team with four triples. Shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. has a team-leading seven triples this season.
Taylor Hearn makes Royals debut
The Royals got a look at reliever Taylor Hearn against the Red Sox. Hearn pitched a scoreless inning after Royals reliever Austin Cox drew the start.
Hearn allowed one hit in the frame. He threw 16 pitches and displayed his full arsenal that included a slider, four-seam fastball, sinker and changeup. Hearn generated 11 swings, four whiffs and one called strike.
“Electric stuff,” Quatraro said. “He got some 95-96 (mph) fastballs with good movement. A couple of good sliders. It was a tough night to pitch. For his first outing with us, I was really pleased.”
The Royals acquired Hearn from the Atlanta Braves. KC traded infielder Nicky Lopez to the Braves in return.
What’s next: The Royals begin a two-game set against the St. Louis Cardinals at Kauffman Stadium.
This story was originally published August 10, 2023 at 9:19 PM.
