How the KC Royals blew a 4-3 lead in the 9th inning of series finale vs. Arizona
The Kansas City Royals were three outs away from picking up a series win against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Kauffman Stadium on Wednesday night.
The Royals entered the ninth inning with a 4-3 advantage. Everything seemed to be lined up for another celebratory victory.
The Diamondbacks spoiled those plans. Arizona scored five runs against Royals closer James McArthur to pull off an 8-6 comeback victory.
McArthur allowed five runs in his lone inning on the mound. Diamondbacks star Ketel Marte delivered the major blow with a three-run homer over the center-field wall — his third home run against KC in as many games.
“Super-frustrating inning, McArthur said. “I feel like I was pretty close at times of getting out of it and just didn’t quite make the pitch that I needed to. Some really good defensive plays behind me and balls were finding some holes. At the end of the day, just didn’t execute enough pitches.”
Indeed, McArthur nearly avoided disaster. He just missed on a borderline pitch to Diamondbacks shortstop Geraldo Perdomo. The pitch landed near the strike zone but was called a ball, sending Perdomo to first base with a walk.
Arizona got a two-run double from catcher Gabriel Moreno and single by Corbin Carroll. That set up Marte’s ninth-inning home run.
“It was a good pitch to (Lourdes) Gurriel as he beats out an infield hit,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “Bobby slips and the walk is probably what hurt us the most there. You got to give those guys credit for executing and getting the balls in play.”
The Royals fell to 56-47.
Earlier in the game, they rebounded from a two-run deficit in the fourth inning. Outfielder Kyle Isbel led that comeback effort with an RBI triple into the center-field gap. Third baseman Maikel Garcia scored on the play.
A few moments later, Isbel also scored on a wild pitch.
The Royals added three runs in the fourth inning. And the bottom of the lineup was productive. Michael Massey and Drew Waters doubled and Garcia drove in a run to set the stage for the final inning.
“I got a good pitch to hit,” Isbel said. “Anything to flip the lineup over and keep things moving.”
After the Diamondbacks had surged ahead in the top of the ninth, the Royals attempted to rally and retake the lead. They got two runs back, but Arizona closer Paul Sewald retired Royals captain Salvador Perez with two outs and a man aboard to end the game.
“I think we are in a good spot,” Royals second baseman Michael Massey said. “Obviously tonight is frustrating, but it’s baseball.
“I’m sure we are going to come up and steal a save from somebody else and come from behind and win a game in the ninth, too. It’s just kind of the way it goes.”
Missed previous games of the series?
Game 1: Bobby Witt Jr. nearly hits for cycle in Royals 10-4 victory over D-Backs
Game 2: KC falls short in 6-2 loss to D-Backs on Tuesday night
Here are more notable aspects of Wednesday’s game:
Michael Wacha labors in 18th start
The Royals turned to their bullpen early Wednesday. The relief unit needed to cover multiple innings after Royals starter Michael Wacha left the game in the fifth.
Wacha allowed three runs in 4 2/3 innings. He surrendered consecutive homers to Joc Pederson and Christian Walker in the fourth inning as Arizona took a 3-1 advantage.
Later, Wacha nearly escaped some fourth-inning trouble. He issued a leadoff double to Perdomo, and two batters later walked star infielder Marte intentionally.
“It was a grind for sure out there today,” Wacha said. “Just couldn’t really get the off-speed pitches going. I thought the fastball was good and had some good life on it.
“But yeah, I just felt like I was falling behind whenever I tried to get ahead with some off-speed pitches. They were in good hitters’ counts most of the time and I didn’t make very good pitches.”
The Royals turned to relievers Angel Zerpa, Sam Long, Hunter Harvey and McArthur to protect their slim lead. All but McArthur came through.
Wacha earned a no-decision after throwing 41 of 89 pitches for strikes. He registered 32 swings and two whiffs, per Baseball Savant.
“He competed and they hit a couple of homers off of him,” Quatraro said. “It was a little bit of a battle but his stuff looked good and his changeup looked good. His velo was up and gave us a good chance to win the game.”
What’s next on the KC Royals’ schedule?
The Royals are off Thursday before continuing their nine-game homestand against the Chicago Cubs.
KC right-handed pitcher Brady Singer will start Friday’s series opener at Kauffman Stadium. He earned his sixth victory of the year in his last outing (against the Chicago White Sox). He’s 6-6 with a 3.00 ERA this season.
The Cubs will start veteran right-hander Kyle Hendricks on Friday. He is 2-8 with a 6.69 ERA in 18 games (13 starts).
This story was originally published July 24, 2024 at 10:14 PM.
