KANSAS CITY, MO – July 13, 2025 – Nick Loftin continued his clutch hitting, delivering his second game-winning hit in less than a week to propel the Kansas City Royals to a dramatic 3-2 victory over the New York Mets on Sunday. The walk-off win at Kauffman Stadium allowed the Royals to avoid a three-game sweep heading into the All-Star break.
With the game tied 2-2 in the bottom of the ninth, Loftin singled sharply, driving in Tyler Tolbert from second base for the winning run. Tolbert, who entered the game in the eighth as a defensive substitution for Jac Caglianone, led off the inning with a single off Mets reliever Sean Manaea. Tolbert then promptly stole second, setting the stage for Loftin’s heroics, reminiscent of his deciding single last Tuesday against Pittsburgh.
Manaea (0-1), making his season debut after an oblique strain and an elbow issue, took the loss for the Mets, allowing the lone ninth-inning run on five hits while striking out seven over 3 1/3 innings of relief.
Earlier in the game, Royals rookie left-hander Noah Cameron delivered another brilliant start, matching a career-best with eight strikeouts over 6 2/3 scoreless innings, scattering seven hits. Cameron was in line for his fourth win as John Schreiber and Lucas Erceg protected a 2-0 lead, which was established by John Rave’s second-inning double.
However, the Mets rallied in the ninth off All-Star closer Carlos EstĂ©vez (4-2). Ronny Mauricio led off with a double, followed by Jeff McNeil’s RBI triple off the center-field wall. Pinch-hitter Jared Young then delivered a sacrifice fly to tie the game at 2-2 before Loftin’s eventual game-winner.
Mets starter Clay Holmes allowed two runs on five hits and a walk over five innings.
The Mets struggled to capitalize on scoring opportunities, going just 1-for-7 with runners in scoring position and stranding eight baserunners throughout the game.
The Royals will now enjoy the All-Star break, with several players representing the club in the midsummer classic. Infielder Maikel Garcia, closer Carlos Estévez, shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., and left-handed pitcher Kris Bubic will all participate in the All-Star Game.
The team will resume action on Friday, July 18th, opening a three-game series against the Miami Marlins in Miami. Pregame coverage for Friday’s game begins at 5:30 p.m. CDT, with first pitch set for 6:10 p.m. CDT on Superstar Country 102.5 FM KQNK.
