Bobby Witt Jr. nearing famed 30-30 MLB mark. His latest HR came in close call vs. A’s
Kansas City Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. is listed on every MLB team’s scoring report. There isn’t an element of shock or surprise. Every team knows how much damage Witt can do with one swing of the bat.
Yet, Witt still continues to produce at a high level, and he’s nearing history along the way.
Witt hit his 25th home run on Monday night — in a 6-4 walkoff loss to the Oakland Athletics. He drilled a 79.2 mph curveball from A’s starter Paul Blackburn over the center-field wall. The blast traveled 426 feet and registered a 111.4 mph exit velocity.
“It was a curveball that just kind of got in there and I was able to get it up and barrel it,” Witt said.
That hit marked Witt’s 17th extra-base hit since July 28. During that span, Witt has also led the Majors total bases, slugging percentage and OPS (on-base plus slugging).
Witt also produced a .422 batting average and 28 RBIs in his last 21 games prior to Monday night.
Oh, and he’s five home runs from the famed 30-30 MLB mark, which no Kansas City Royals player has ever reached. Carlos Beltran came closest with 29 home runs and 35 stolen bases in 2002.
“It’s watching a kid go out there and play,” Royals pitcher Alec Marsh said. “It’s refreshing as he doesn’t get too upset at times. The highs and lows, he keeps everything even-keeled. I think the best in the game do that.”
But Witt’s homer — plus a late comeback effort — didn’t end with a Royals win. KC made up a two-run deficit but dropped the series opener 6-4 at the Oakland Coliseum.
Witt finished 1 for 4 in the game. The Royals, who were limited by Blackburn over six innings, rallied against the Oakland bullpen.
KC scored two runs in the eighth inning. Royals infielders Maikel Garcia and Michael Massey collected RBIs. Garcia hit a sacrifice fly and Massey drilled an RBI single to tie the score.
The A’s would respond. In the ninth inning, All-star outfielder Brent Rooker hit a walk-off two-run homer off Royals reliever Dylan Coleman to propel Oakland victory.
“I think it was a slider or cutter and he put a good swing on it,” said Royals manager Matt Quatraro.
KC fell to 40-87.
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Here are more notables from Monday’s game:
Alec Marsh records 9 strikeouts in relief role
The Royals had a bullpen game against the A’s. Reliever Tucker Davidson made the start and worked a scoreless frame. He gave way to Taylor Hearn and Alec Marsh to cover the remainder of the innings.
Hearn gave up two hits, including a solo home run to A’s third baseman Jordan Diaz, in his short appearance.
Then Marsh stepped in to help the cause.
Marsh struck out nine hitters in 5 2/3 innings. He allowed five hits, three earned runs and one walk. His fastball touched 96 mph and generated a lot of movement. As a result, Marsh recorded 15 called strikes and 15 whiffs in the game.
“I thought the curveball and the changeup were really good,” Marsh said. “The fastball command was good sometimes and not so good. The slider, getting that in the zone more, was a goal for us.
“I’ve been working on that and it paid off for us this time around.”
The A’s hit two mistake pitches. Zack Gelof and Shea Langeliers blasted solo home runs to fuel Oakland’s victory.
“Things are getting better for sure,” Marsh said. “Two solo homers suck. I just left two pitches middle as I was trying to get ahead.”
Royals squander early scoring chance
The Royals had limited opportunities against Blackburn.
In the third inning, KC had a shot to take an early lead. Royals second baseman Samad Taylor hit a leadoff single. He later stole second to get into scoring position. However, Blackburn evaded the threat with timely pitching.
Blackburn forced Royals outfielder Kyle Isbel to ground out. Taylor advanced to third base on the play. He wouldn’t move further as Garcia and Witt were retired to end the inning.
Garcia struck out at the plate. Meanwhile, A’s outfielder Seth Brown made a diving catch to rob Witt of a two-out hit.
The A’s took advantage in the bottom of the inning. Gelof hit his ninth home run to give Oakland a 2-1 lead.
What’s next: The Royals continue their three-game series against the A’s. Angel Zerpa is slated to start on Tuesday night.
This story was originally published August 21, 2023 at 11:50 PM.
