By MATT PIKE
The Kansas City Royals rallied from behind, scoring three runs in the ninth inning to score a walk off 4-3 win over the Athletics at Kauffman Stadium, earning a recently called up pitcher his first Major League victory.
Tommy White drove in the first run of the game for the A's with an RBI single, scoring Zack Gelof in the first inning. Two more runs scored in the sixth inning extending the Athletics lead off reliever Mason Black, Jeff McNeil's RBI single driving in Henry Bolte and a bases loaded walk by Black bringing home Gelof to push the A's lead to 3-0. The Royals got on the board in the seventh inning on an RBI double by Vinnie Pasquantino driving in Jac Caglianone.
Trailing 3-1, Alex Lange threw a clean eighth inning before the Royals brought on Carlos Duran for the ninth. Duran, acquired from the Los Angeles Dodgers at the Trade Deadline in the trade for Kris Bubic, was called up from Triple A Omaha prior to the game, with Lucas Erceg being sent to Omaha. Duran gave up one hit in relief in the top half of the inning before Kansas City rallied in the bottom half. With one out, the Royals loaded the bases, Salvador Perez reaching on catchers interference, a single from Michael Massey, and a walk to Carter Jensen to set up the win.
With the bases loaded, Tyler Tolbert pinch hit for Kyle Isbel and singled into left field, driving in pinch runner John Rave and Massey to tie the game, moving Jensen to second base. Elvis Alvarado came on in relief and retired Isaac Collins, nearly escaping the jam, but with two outs Bobby Witt Jr hit a bloop single into left field, bringing home Jensen for the walk off victory. Duran earned the win in relief, his first in his Major League career.
At the plate, Caglianone was 2-for-4 with a double and a run scored. Pasquantino was also 2-for-4 with a double and an RBI. Witt Jr was 1-for-3 with an RBI and a walk.
Kansas City will look to secure a series win against the A's tomorrow. Neither team has announced a starting pitcher in the matchup. First pitch will be at 6:40pm, pregame at 6pm on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).
You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.