Extracted Statements
Maikel Garcia delivered a game-ending two-run double off Yankees closer Clay Holmes, enabling the Royals to edge out New York 4-3. This victory allowed the Royals to avoid a four-game sweep and snapped their four-game losing streak.
Rookie Marsh's Stellar Outing
Rookie pitcher Alec Marsh showcased his potential by carrying a no-hit bid into the seventh inning against the Yankees. Marsh's impressive performance was highlighted by his composure and solid pitching. Although he allowed a leadoff single to Juan Soto in the seventh, Marsh retired the next three batters to wrap up his 96-pitch outing.
"I thought we had a good game plan going in," Marsh said. "Me and [catcher Freddy Fermin] were on the same page all day. I just felt comfortable out there."
Yankees' Counterattack
The Yankees, who had dominated the first three games of the series, mounted a comeback in the eighth inning against reliever John Schreiber. Anthony Rizzo brought New York within one run with a homer. A critical error by second baseman Garrett Hampson set the stage for Anthony Volpe's RBI grounder, giving the Yankees a 3-2 lead after Angel Zerpa surrendered an RBI single to Soto.
Garcia's Heroics
In the ninth inning, Drew Waters hit an infield single against Holmes. Following a fielder's choice, Kyle Isbel singled to bring up Maikel Garcia. Garcia delivered a liner down the left-field line, scoring MJ Melendez and Isbel, clinching a 4-3 victory for Kansas City.
James McArthur secured the win for the Royals by pitching a scoreless ninth inning.
"I couldn't be more proud of those guys," said Royals manager Matt Quatraro. "You're down. That's a really good club with an elite closer coming in. The way they hustle, the way they never quit, it's inspiring for me to come to work every day to be around these guys."
Consistent Performances
The Royals hold second place in the AL Central. Bobby Witt Jr. extended his hitting streak to 14 games with a single in the fourth inning. Witt then scored on Vinnie Pasquantino's two-run double. Nestor Cortes, who allowed two runs over seven innings for the Yankees, lowered his road ERA to 5.57 from 6.17.
"I thought Nestor was good," commented Yankees manager Aaron Boone. "It was a good pitchers' duel. His fastball was playing up. He was at 90, 91, 92, but it had something on it. He had a presence on both sides. I thought he did a good job, like Marsh, of mixing things up to give us seven strong innings."
The Royals' sixth inning threat was cut short when Witt was caught stealing following a pickoff throw by Cortes. Royals manager Matt Quatraro was ejected for arguing obstruction by Gleyber Torres.
Looking Ahead
The Royals hope to build on this victory as they aim for consistency in their performance. "Quatraro told me he didn't even know I had a no-hitter going," Marsh said. "I responded, 'Don't get tossed next time.’"
On the other hand, the Yankees need to regroup after this setback. With their dominant streak in the first three games of the series, it's evident that the team has potential. But maintaining focus and minimizing errors will be crucial as they move forward.
Kansas City fans can relish this close victory, which not only ended their losing streak but also demonstrated the team's resilience. As the Royals continue their season, this victory could serve as a turning point, instilling confidence and momentum in the squad.
Meanwhile, the Yankees will need to address their late-game issues and find ways to close out games more effectively. Their ability to bounce back from this loss will be tested in the coming games.
With both teams showing flashes of brilliance and areas needing improvement, the rest of the season promises to be intriguing for fans of baseball.