Nelson Velázquez hit a home run and had a double that brought in a run in the 11th inning as the Kansas City Royals defeated the Tampa Bay Rays 7-4 on Saturday, securing their eighth consecutive win.
After both teams scored once in the 10th inning, Velázquez started the 11th with his hit and scored on Adam Frazier’s single, with Maikel Garcia also bringing in a run with his hit.
“That’s what good teams do, play hard and pick each other up,” Frazier said. “That’s a recipe for success.” James McArthur gave up one run in two innings and Nick Anderson pitched a scoreless 11th to earn his first save.
“That was a battle,” Kansas City manager Matt Quatraro said. “It took a lot of guts from both sides to stay in a really competitive game.” Kansas City has scored seven or more runs in six consecutive games, which is a team record.
The Rays have lost six games in a row. “Very frustrating,” Tampa Bay manager Kevin Cash said. “Would rather be talking about wins but right now they’re tough to come by.”
Kansas City’s Kyle Isbel left the game in the seventh inning after being hit in the face by a pitch. He walked off with a trainer holding a towel to his face. The team announced that Isbel has facial lacerations and will undergo additional tests.
“I think we’re extremely lucky,” Quatraro said. “Got him on the bridge of the nose.” Royals starter Brady Singer spoke with Isbel in the clubhouse. “He’s in really good spirits,” Singer said. “He’s as tough as a bull, so I expect him to be back quick.”
Dairon Blanco replaced Isbel and gave the Royals a 3-2 lead with a sacrifice fly. Velázquez hit a home run in the second inning, and Bobby Witt Jr. extended his hitting streak to eight games with an RBI single off Aaron Civale in the third inning.
In the seventh inning, Kansas City reliever Chris Stratton made a remarkable behind-the-back catch for the first out. However, he then hit a batter and issued a walk before being replaced by Angel Zerpa, who allowed a game-tying RBI single to pinch-hitter Harold Ramírez.
