In the eighth inning, Harrison Bader managed to break the scoreless tie with an infield single, providing the New York Mets with a much-needed lead. The Mets ultimately secured a narrow 2-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Sunday.
The game started with an impressive display of pitching prowess from Mets rookie Jose Buttó and Royals starter Cole Ragans. Both pitchers managed to keep their opponents at bay, resulting in a scoreless game for the first six innings. However, the Mets struggled to capitalize on their opportunities, leaving a total of nine runners stranded throughout the first seven innings. It wasn’t until the eighth inning that the tide began to turn in the Mets’ favor.
Salvador Perez, the Royals’ catcher, sustained injuries to his left groin and hip during a collision at home plate with Starling Marte in the fourth inning. Marte was attempting to tag up and score on Tyrone Taylor’s lineout to left, but Perez managed to make the catch and secure the final out. However, Perez was slow to get up after the collision, and both Marte and Royals pitcher Cole Hamels showed concern. Eventually, a Kansas City athletic trainer arrived, and Perez left the field slowly, being replaced by Freddy Fermin in the bottom of the fifth inning.
With two outs in the eighth inning, Bader hit a slow roller towards third base. Unfortunately for the Royals, Maikel Garcia was unable to make a barehand pickup, allowing Bader to reach base safely. This turn of events was followed by Chris Stratton walking Brandon Nimmo on four pitches, granting the Mets a 2-0 lead. Despite a late homerun from Vinnie Pasquantino in the ninth inning, Díaz managed to secure his third save of the season by retiring Freddy Fermin on a popup.
Kansas City will head to Chicago for a 6:40 p.m. CT first pitch against the White Sox for Jackie Robinson Day. Pregame on Classic Hits KQNK 106.7 FM, 102.5 FM & 1530 AM will begin at 6:00 p.m.
