Walk-off Home Run lifts Royals past Braves

Kendrys Morales #25 of the Kansas City Royals is congratulated by teammates after hitting a two-run walk-off home run in the 13th inning against the Atlanta Braves at Kauffman Stadium on May 15, 2016 in Kansas City, Missouri. The Royals won 4-2.

(May 15, 2016 - Source: Ed Zurga/Getty Images North America)

A walk-off home run from DH Kendrys Morales lifts the Kansas City Royals over the Atlanta Braves 4-2 in extra innings to win their three-game series.

The Royals took an early lead in the first inning. SS Alcides Escobar hit a leadoff double and 1B Eric Hosmer drove him home with a one-out single.

The Royals pulled their starting pitcher after three innings. Danny Duffy, a relief pitcher, filled in for SP Kris Medlen, who was placed on the 15-day DL four days ago. Duffy pitched 3 innings, allowing 1 hit and 2 walks while striking out 5.

Danny Duffy was on a limited pitch count, making this a bullpen affair for the Royals right from the start.

It took the Royals until the eighth inning to put the second run on the scoreboard. CF Jarrod Dyson led off with a double and Alcides Escobar, who saw 12 pitches in this at-bat, drove him in with a single to right field.

Atlanta’s SP Matt Wisler was replaced after this run. He worked 7.1 innings, giving up 8 hits and 2 earned runs while striking out 7. He now has a 3.14 ERA with a 0.99 WHIP on the season.

The Braves tied the game in the ninth inning. LF Ender Inciarte started the inning with a single and 2B Chase d’Arnaud drew a walk.

CF Mallex Smith followed with a single that batted Ender Inciarte home and Chase d’Arnaud to third base. Mallex Smith tried to advance to second base but found himself caught between the bags and was tagged for the first out.

SS Erick Aybar hit a single in his first plate appearance and Chase d’Arnaud crossed home plate for the tying run.

CL Wade Davis, who tried to earn his 9th save of the season, blew his first save instead.

Three scoreless innings followed until the Royals ended the game in the 13th. With two outs and Alcides Escobar on first base, Kendrys Morales blasted the ball 414 feet for a two-run walk-off homer.

The Kansas City Royals (18-19) are hosting the Boston Red Sox (24-14) for a three-game series from Monday to Wednesday.

The Atlanta Braves (9-27) continue their road trip with a visit to the Pittsburgh Pirates (19-17) to play a four-game series from Monday through Thursday.