Athletics falter again as Witt caps Royals’ rally in ninth

Athletics falter again as Witt caps Royals’ rally in ninth KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Bobby Witt Jr. delivered the game‑winning hit with a two‑out single in the ninth inning after pinch‑hitter Tyler Tolbert tied the score with a two‑run single, lifting the Kansas City Royals to a 4‑3 victory over the Oakland Athletics on Tuesday night. Trailing 3‑1, the Royals loaded the bases with one out in the ninth on a catcher’s interference call, a single and a walk. Tolbert, batting for Kyle Isbel, grounded a single into left field off Hogan Harris (3‑2) to tie it. Elvis Alvarado relieved Harris and retired Isaac Collins before Witt blooped a single into left for the Royals’ sixth walk‑off win of the season. The Athletics took an early lead when Zack Gelof drew a first‑inning walk and Jonah Heim drew another to load the bases. Tommy White then drove in the game’s first run with a single to left. A second runner advanced but was thrown out at the plate. Athletics left‑hander Brady Basso left the game after recording just one out in the third inning, allowing two hits and striking out one over 32 pitches. Jack Perkins inherited a baserunner when he entered the game, caught Carter Jensen stealing second, and retired the side. Perkins also worked around a leadoff walk in the fourth, holding Kansas City to one hit and striking out four over 3⅓ innings. Royals left‑hander Daniel Lynch IV made a brief appearance before being replaced by right‑handed Mason Black ahead of the fifth inning. The Athletics added to their lead in the sixth when Jeff McNeil hit an RBI single to left field, Lawrence Butler drew a walk to load the bases and Max Muncy forced in a run on the team’s fifth walk. Jac Caglianone opened the seventh with a double and later scored on Vinnie Pasquantino’s double; each finished with two hits. Royals right‑hander Carlos Duran (1‑0) earned the win with a scoreless ninth inning. Looking ahead, the Athletics have not yet announced who will start Wednesday against Royals right‑hander Seth Lugo (5‑7, 4.59).