Perez's single in 10th lifts Royals over Braves 1-0. KC ties record by using 9 pitchers in shutout
Royals Rally with Record Pitching Performance
Kansas City Edges Out Atlanta in Nail-Biting Shutout
KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Salvador Perez delivered a clutch single in the 10th inning, driving in MJ Melendez to secure a thrilling 1-0 victory for the Kansas City Royals over the Atlanta Braves. This win was made even more remarkable by the Royals' historic pitching performance, tying a major league record by utilizing nine pitchers throughout the shutout.
Sam Long (1-2) emerged as the hero in the 10th inning, navigating a high-pressure situation with runners on the corners and no outs. He struck out Sean Murphy and Eli White before inducing Luke Williams into a flyout to left field, preserving the lead for the Royals' late-inning rally.
In the bottom half of the 10th, Melendez was placed on second base as a pinch runner. Perez capitalized on the opportunity, connecting with the second pitch from Daysbel Hernandez (4-2) and sending it into right field for the game-winning hit.
This feat echoes Cleveland's record-setting performance in 2016, where they also employed nine pitchers in a 10-inning shutout.
Wentz Shines in Hometown Return
Meanwhile, Atlanta's Joey Wentz put on an impressive display just miles away from his high school alma mater, Shawnee Mission East High School. The former first-round draft pick, claimed off waivers earlier this month, silenced the Royals offense, allowing only one hit and three walks over 6 2/3 innings while striking out seven.
Facing a struggling rotation, the Royals countered with a strategic deployment of relief pitchers. Angel Zerpa started on short rest and pitched into the second inning, followed by Jonathan Bowlan, who was their most effective reliever, retiring more than three batters in his two innings pitched. John Schreiber showcased his dominance by striking out the side in the fourth inning, while Hunter Harvey expertly navigated a bases-loaded jam in the sixth, securing three consecutive outs.
Series Conclusion and Future Matchups:
This low-scoring encounter follows the Braves' dominant victory in the series opener (10-7) and Tuesday's thrilling win for the Royals (9-6). The Braves haven't announced their starter for Thursday's game in Cincinnati, but newly acquired RHP Carlos Carrasco is anticipated to take the mound. The Royals have a day off before embarking on a series against the Toronto Blue Jays starting Friday night.