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Witt’s Key Hit Leads Royals to ALDS with Sweep of Orioles
04
Oct
Oct
Bobby Witt Jr. delivered a crucial infield single that drove in the go-ahead run, securing a 2-1 victory for the Kansas City Royals over the Baltimore Orioles and completing a two-game sweep in the AL Wild Card Series. This win propels the Royals into the AL Division Series.
With two outs and runners on the corners in the sixth inning, Witt hit a ground ball just behind second base. Orioles shortstop Jordan Westburg made a diving stop but couldn’t make the throw in time, allowing Kyle Isbel to score. Witt’s remarkable speed, clocked at 4.14 seconds for 90 feet, ensured he reached first safely.
“It was important to just run as fast as I could,” Witt remarked after the game. This was his second consecutive game providing the decisive hit; his RBI single in the series opener contributed to a narrow 1-0 victory.
“You never know when this opportunity will come again, so you have to seize it,” Witt added. “That’s the exciting part of this game—being in these situations.”
The Royals, who experienced significant struggles this season—including two seven-game losing streaks—now look forward to facing the AL East champion New York Yankees in the Division Series, with Game 1 scheduled for Saturday in the Bronx.
Cedric Mullins homered for the Orioles, who have now lost five straight playoff games over the past two years, extending their postseason losing streak to ten games.
After finishing the previous season with a dismal 106 losses, the revamped Royals demonstrated significant improvement, achieving a 30-win increase and returning to October baseball for the first time since their 2015 World Series victory.
Second baseman Michael Massey, who opened the game with a double and later scored on a hit from Vinnie Pasquantino, attributed their success to the front office’s strategic acquisitions of seasoned veterans such as Tommy Pham, Yuli Gurriel, Michael Wacha, and Will Smith. “Their experience has been invaluable for us,” Massey said. “Observing how they conduct themselves has helped the entire team maintain composure.”
Despite leaving 12 runners on base, the Royals navigated another close game thanks to impressive managing by Matt Quatraro, a postseason rookie himself, alongside players like Witt and Game 1 winner Cole Ragans.
Quatraro allowed starter Seth Lugo to pitch after loading the bases with no outs in the fifth inning, before expertly rotating in his bullpen. Winning pitcher Angel Zerpa managed to escape the jam and secure the first out of the sixth. John Schreiber, Sam Long, Kris Bubic, and Lucas Erceg followed, with Erceg earning his second save of the series.
“It’s impressive to see them trust their abilities and attack some of the best hitters in the game,” Quatraro stated.
Cionel Pérez took the loss for the Orioles, who face significant offseason questions, including the future of manager Brandon Hyde and the potential loss of pending free-agent starter Corbin Burnes. “Losing like this brings frustration and disappointment, especially when you feel there were opportunities to change the outcome,” Hyde said.
LF Colton Cowser broke his left hand after being hit by a pitch while striking out in the fifth inning and exited the game after six innings.
The Royals are set to face Yankees ace Gerrit Cole in the opener of their ALDS, with any starter except Ragans or Lugo rested and ready to go. Wacha was previously in line to start Game 3 against Baltimore.
