Homebound? Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. getting in position, failing to receive lift:
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Homebound? Royals' Bobby Witt Jr. getting in position, failing to receive lift: originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
With one out in the bottom of the fifth inning Tuesday night, Detroit Tigers' Javier Baez blooped Kansas City Royals pitcher Cole Ragans' 85-mph changeup over the head of shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. and well short of the outfielders' positioning.
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The Tigers looked to be creating momentum at Comerica Park.
Toothless Tigers first baseman Spencer Torkelson led off the inning with a walk and, with the team's take-the-extra-base approach, likely would have hustled to third. Instead of runners on first and third with no outs, Witt's athleticism altered the inning. The fifth-year major leaguer sprinted to short left-center and calmly looked over his shoulder and almost routinely made the play, protecting a 1-0 advantage.
Witt again saved the one-run lead at the bottom of the eighth inning, diving to snare a Colt Keith line drive with Zach McKinstry on third base and one out. The Tigers' baserunner scored a wild pitch and rookie Kevin McGonigle, who reportedly agreed to an eight-year, $150 million contract extension, scored the winning run on Darren Dingler's RBI-double.
Witt is doing his part, offensively and defensively.
He's not getting much help.
Royals SS Bobby Witt Jr. needs to find way home
Entering Wednesday's rematch against the host Tigers (8-9), Witt has reached base in all 17 games this season. The MLB's co-leader with eight steals, Witt was on an early pace to steal more than 80 bases this season.
Witt, who possessed a .365 on-base percentage, scored just one run through his opening 63 at-bats. No Royals batter produced an extra-base hit with Witt on the basepaths.
Witt, who had 17 hits and 10 bases on balls, needs some assistance.
The Royals (7-10) entered the Tigers series averaging 3.38 runs per game, ranking third-worst in the league. Witt went 1-for-4 during Tuesday's 2-1 defeat. He singled to lead off the sixth inning, but was stranded again as the next three batters flied out, grounded out and struck out.
Will Witt soon get a little help from his friends?