Lorenzo Cain walk-off single defeats Rangers

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Ian Kennedy throws during the second inning of a baseball game, Sunday, July 16, 2017, in Kansas City, Mo. (Charlie Riedel AP Photo)

CF Lorenzo Cain hits a walk-off single as the Kansas City Royals (45-45) defeat the Texas Rangers (45-46) to avoid a series sweep.

The Royals took an early lead in the first. 2B Whit Merrifield led the inning off with a single and advanced to third base on another single from RF Jorge Bonifacio. He eventually came home on a wild pitch from SP Yu Darvish to score the first run of the contest.

The Rangers tied the game in the third inning with a one-out home run from 3B Drew Robinson. It was his third long ball of the season.

The Royals, however, restored their lead in the bottom of the frame . 1B Eric Hosmer walked with two outs and crossed home plate on a double from 3B Mike Moustakas.

The Rangers drew level again in the seventh inning. With two outs 1B Mike Napoli hit his 20th home run of the year to tie the game at two runs apiece.

It was also the last pitch Kansas City’s SP Ian Kennedy threw this afternoon. He gave up 5 hits, 1 walk and 2 earned runs while fanning 6. He now has a 4.32 ERA with a 1.15 WHIP this season.

The Royals regained the lead once again in the bottom of the frame. C Drew Butera hit a two-out single and managed to come home on a double from Whit Merrifield.

The run ended the day of Texas’ SP Yu Darvish on the mound. He allowed 8 hits, 1 walk and 2 earned runs while striking out 6. This gives him a 3.45 ERA and a 1.14 WHIP on the year.

The game was tied again in the eighth. SS Elvis Andrus doubled with two outs and scored on a single from LF Nomar Mazara.

The winning run occurred in the bottom of the ninth. SS Alcides Escobar led off the inning with a single, followed by a walk to LF Alex Gordon. PH Salvador Perez hit into fielder’s choice next (Alcides Escobar out at third base) and when Whit Merrifield was hit by a pitch the bases were loaded for the Royals.

With two outs CF Lorenzo Cain singled to right field and Alex Gordon came home to score the game-winning run.

The Texas Rangers continue their road trip with a four-game series at the Baltimore Orioles (42-49) from Monday to Thursday.

The Kansas City Royals continue their homestand with a four-game series against the Detroit Tigers (41-49) from Monday through Thursday.