ARLINGTON, Texas — Ezequiel Duran hit an opposite-field RBI single to cap a stunning three-run ninth inning as the Texas Rangers rallied to walk off the Kansas City Royals 7-6 on Saturday.
The dramatic comeback handed the Royals their fifth consecutive loss and spoiled a late-game surge by Kansas City, which has now dropped 15 of its last 18 games to fall to a season-low 14 games below .500.
Texas entered the bottom of the ninth trailing 6-4 against Royals closer Lucas Erceg (3-3). Joc Pederson ignited the home crowd by launching a leadoff home run, sparking a relentless string of five consecutive hits. Josh Jung followed with a single to shortstop, and Brandon Nimmo reached on a single that deflected off Erceg’s glove. Jake Burger then lined an opposite-field hit to right to tie the game, setting the stage for Duran’s game-winning heroics to right field.
The wild comeback made a first-time major league winner out of Peyton Gray (1-0). The 30-year-old rookie, who made his big league debut in late April, pitched the top of the frame to keep Texas within striking distance.
With the victory, the Rangers matched their longest winning streak since early April at two games. It also marked their first walk-off win of the season when trailing going into the ninth inning at home. Conversely, it was a rare late-game collapse for the Royals, who lost for just the fifth time in 22 games when leading after eight innings.
Before the ninth-inning fireworks, the game was a back-and-forth affair highlighted by strong starting pitching. Texas starter Kumar Rocker tossed six scoreless innings, scattering three singles and three walks. Kansas City’s Seth Lugo was equally effective, yielding just one earned run on six hits over his six frames.
Jung, who finished the day with three hits, got Texas on the board early with a first-inning home run. Burger also collected three hits in the win.
The Royals initially looked poised for a comeback victory of their own. Trailing 3-0 in the seventh, Kansas City batted around to push four runs across. Carter Jensen was the catalyst, launching a two-run home run and later adding an RBI single. Jensen also flashed the leather in the eighth, making a spectacular diving catch in foul territory on a Michael Helman bunt attempt to preserve what was then a two-run lead.
Adding injury to insult, Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia was forced to leave the game in the seventh inning after straining his right hamstring while racing for third base.
Up Next
The teams will wrap up their series on Sunday. The pitching matchup features Royals right-hander Michael Wacha (4-2, 2.69 ERA) going up against Rangers righty Jack Leiter (2-4, 4.75 ERA).
