Royals 7, Rangers 6 (F, 10)

KANSAS CITY, Mo. – The Texas Rangers had two golden opportunities to bring the go-ahead run in regulation, but poor base-running and lack of execution cost them.

They had another opportunity in the 10^th with a runner on third and less than two outs, but came away empty-handed.

Those missed opportunities paved the way for a walkoff victory by the Royals. The Rangers committed two errors in the 10^th, and Kansas City avoided a series sweep with a 7-6 victory over Texas on Sunday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium.

With the game tied 6-6 going to the bottom of the 10^th, the Rangers brought in left-hander Michael Kirkman, who walked Billy Butler. Eric Hosmer pinch-ran for Butler, and moved to second on an error by Alberto Gonzalez. Jeff Francoeur then grounded to third and Mike Olt made an errant throw to second, which allowed Hosmer to score the winning run.

The Rangers tied it at 6-6 with a run in the seventh, but could have taken the lead. Olt drew a walk, Elvis Andrus singled and Michael Young had an RBI double to right. Andrus tried to score on the double, ignoring third-base coach Dave Anderson’s stop sign, and was thrown out easily.

In the ninth, Olt drew a leadoff walk, stole second and moved to third on a throwing error. With Andrus up, the Rangers had a suicide squeeze bunt on and Olt broke for hom. Andrus, though, didn’t make contract with a pitch down and away, as Olt ran into an easy out for the Royals.

Andrus came out of the game after that, as Gonzalez replaced him. No reason was given for his exit.

In the top of the 10^th, Adrian Beltre led off with a single followed by a single by Nelson Cruz. David Murphy flew out to left, but Mike Napoli drew a walk to load the bases. But Mitch Moreland was robbed of a base hit on a diving catch by Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar and Olt struck out.

-- Drew Davison

Comments

[Bob In Arlington]

Really good championship teams don't have these types of base running and fielding miscues.

It takes a really strong manager to lead, to know when to heavily discipline a team and to become the "manager" and not so much their friend.

[Casey Harris]

I am really amazed at the fingers that have been pointing at Wash lately from fans. The guys leads us to two straight world series and has us 19 over right now. He holds people accountable for their actions, but he also has confidence in his players not to make the same mistakes again.

[Tony]

Bob in Arlington, the 2 errors were made my a rookie in his 4th game, and a SS that hasnt seen the field in months. Relax, man. If fingers are going to be pointed, point them at Andrus for blowing the stop sign by dave anderson. That was awful.