Witt's Ninth-Inning Single Caps Royals' Rally Past A's, 4-3

Bobby Witt Jr. delivered a two-out single in the ninth inning to drive in the winning run, lifting the Kansas City Royals to a 4-3 victory over the Athletics on Tuesday night.

Trailing 3-1 entering the ninth, the Royals loaded the bases with one out on a catcher's interference call, a single and a walk. Pinch-hitter Tyler Tolbert, batting for Kyle Isbel, grounded a two-run single into left field off Hogan Harris (3-2) to tie the game. Elvis Alvarado relieved Harris and retired Isaac Collins on a line out before Witt blooped a single into left field for the walk-off win, Kansas City's sixth of the season.

The Athletics had jumped ahead early when Zack Gelof and Jonah Heim both drew first-inning walks to load the bases, and Tommy White singled home the game's first run. A second Oakland runner was thrown out at the plate trying to score on the play.

Athletics left-hander Brady Basso departed after recording just one out in the third inning, having allowed two hits and a strikeout over 32 pitches. Reliever Jack Perkins caught Carter Jensen stealing second after inheriting a baserunner, then worked around a leadoff walk in the fourth, ultimately allowing one hit and striking out four over 3 2/3 innings.

Kansas City starter Daniel Lynch IV was also pulled early, replaced by right-hander Mason Black before the fifth inning.

The Athletics added to their lead in the sixth on an RBI single by Jeff McNeil and a bases-loaded walk drawn by Max Muncy after Lawrence Butler had also walked. The Royals answered in the seventh when Jac Caglianone doubled to lead off the inning and scored on a double by Vinnie Pasquantino; both players finished with two hits.

Royals right-hander Carlos Duran (1-0) earned the win by pitching a scoreless ninth.

The Athletics had not yet named a starter for Wednesday's game against Royals right-hander Seth Lugo (5-7, 4.59 ERA).