KC Royals snap 7-game losing streak with dramatic win vs. Nationals in extra innings
The Kansas City Royals’ offensive woes continued against the Washington Nationals.
Their seven-game losing streak did not.
In a down-to-the-wire AL Wild Card race, the Royals earned an important 1-0 victory at Nationals Park. KC (83-74) remains tied with the Detroit Tigers in the Wild Card race.
In the 10th inning, Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. reached base on an infield single. Kyle Isbel, who operated as the designated runner, hustled around third base and scored on a throwing error by Nationals shortstop Nasim Nuñez.
“We got that run scratched across, and now it’s one of those things where — now we go,” Witt said. “Like I keep saying, we didn’t come this far to come this far. We’ve just got to go out there and play the game.”
The run stood up as closer Lucas Erceg shut the door and picked up his 12th save of the year.
“For me, it was about staying locked in and staying ready,” Erceg said.
Earlier in the game, the Royals had some chances. In the first inning, KC loaded the bases against Nationals left-handed starter Mitchell Parker. He labored through the lineup before getting a pair of defensive plays to escape the frame.
Later, Royals pinch runner Dairon Blanco was thrown out attempting to steal third base in the sixth inning. The Royals registered a walk and two singles in the frame, but were left empty-handed without a run.
Parker withstood the Royals at each turn. He tossed five scoreless innings and earned a no decision. The Royals’ scoreless streak reached 27 innings before they scored in the 10th inning.
“We know we are too good of a team to have that continue for a long period of time,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “That’s a long a stretch of games, ... so I think tonight it was some frustration. But more like: ‘This is going to change.’”
But southpaw Cole Ragans kept KC in the game. The 2024 All-Star allowed three hits and struck out six batters in six innings.
“The guys found a way to scratch a run across and Erceg came in and shut it down there,” Ragans said. Yeah, overall, just a really good team win.”
The Nationals fell to 69-88.
Missed previous games of the series?
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Here are more notables from Tuesday’s game:
Royals squander early chances
The Royals were dealt a few unlucky breaks against the Nationals. In the first inning, KC loaded the bases with no outs against Parker.
Leadoff hitter Tommy Pham reached on an error. Next, Witt and Salvador Perez singled to create a prime scoring chance.
“We needed to get some (runs) on the board,” Witt said.
However, the Nationals got two pivotal defensive highlights. Nuñez robbed Yuli Gurriel by snaring a 105.4 mph line drive off the bat. He whirled around and threw out Witt at second base.
Royals catcher Freddy Fermin grounded out to end the inning. The Royals were turned away.
KC had another bases-loaded situation in the third inning. Parker avoided further trouble by retiring Fermin on a 91.8 mph fastball to keep the game scoreless.
“You’ve got to give them credit,” Quatraro said. “We keep talking about putting yourself in that situation to get some chances. At some point, somebody is going to come through in one of those spots.”
Injury update: Two Royals relievers shut down
The Royals are dealing with a handful of injuries. On Wednesday, the club announced that relievers Hunter Harvey and James McArthur will miss the remainder of the 2024 season.
Harvey is sidelined with mid-back tightness. He traveled to Dallas to get another opinion.
“It just never loosened up enough where he could throw with the intensity that he would have to throw with to get in the game,” Quatraro said of Harvey.
McArthur has a right elbow sprain. The Royals decided to remain cautious with his recovery and not rush him back to the mound this season.
“We didn’t think it was the right thing for him or the longevity of his career to try to force it back quickly,” Quatraro said. “He needs rest for it to go away.”
Harvey had a 4.44 ERA in 49 games this season. He was acquired from the Nationals in a midseason trade.
McArthur produced a 4.92 ERA in 57 games. The Royals will attempt to help replace both relievers by moving right-hander Alec Marsh into the bullpen.
What’s next on the KC Royals schedule:
The Royals continue their three-game series against the Nationals. On Wednesday, KC right-hander Michael Lorenzen is expected to return from the 15-day injured list and make the weekday start.
Lorenzen has a 1.85 ERA in five games with the Royals. He has been sidelined since Aug. 28 with a left hamstring strain. The Royals acquired Lorenzen at the MLB trade deadline from the Texas Rangers.
The Nationals will start left-handed pitcher DJ Herz. He is 4-8 with a 4.30 ERA in 18 starts this season.
This story was originally published September 24, 2024 at 9:25 PM.
