KANSAS CITY — The Texas Rangers mounted a dramatic ninth-inning comeback on Wednesday night, capitalizing on a crucial error to defeat the Kansas City Royals 6-3. Catcher Kyle Higashioka was the hero, delivering a go-ahead three-run double to cap the stunning rally.
The decisive play followed a two-out error by Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino, who mishandled a slow roller from Corey Seager. The miscue extended the inning, allowing Higashioka to step up with the bases loaded. He promptly lined a double down the left-field line, giving the Rangers their first lead since the first inning.
The Royals had taken an early 3-1 lead in the first, thanks to a three-run homer from Pasquantino, his 25th of the season. Wyatt Langford led off the game for the Rangers with his 18th home run, but Kansas City quickly answered.
The Rangers chipped away at the lead, with a Marcus Semien single in the third cutting the deficit to 3-2. The game remained tight until the seventh inning, when Jonah Heim doubled and later scored on a Seager single to tie the game at 3-3.
Hoby Milner (2-3) earned the win in relief, getting the final four outs for the Rangers. Sam Long (1-3) took the loss for the Royals, who saw their five-game winning streak come to an end.
The Royals, despite having the fewest home runs in the American League, had out-homered the Rangers 14-3 in their previous six matchups. However, the Rangers’ late-game rally proved to be the difference maker in this contest.
The two teams will face off again on Thursday, with the Rangers aiming to split the four-game series. Texas will send LHP Patrick Corbin (6-9, 4.45) to the mound against Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (5-8, 4.43). Pregame coverage Thursday on Superstar Country 102.5 FM & 1530 AM KQNK begins at 12:30 p.m. with first pitch from Kauffman Stadium set for 1:10 p.m.
