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Royals win 6-5 on wild-pitch walk-off Tuesday night

PUBLISHED Apr 21, 2026, 11:31 PM ET

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KANSAS CITY — Maikel Garcia scored on a wild pitch by Baltimore reliever Ryan Helsley to give the Kansas City Royals a 6-5 walk-off victory Tuesday night at Kauffman Stadium, snapping an eight-game losing streak. After Garcia and Bobby Witt Jr. drew walks in the ninth, two Helsley wild pitches advanced runners and ultimately allowed the decisive run. Lucas Erceg was credited with the win and Helsley took the loss as his record moved to 0-2; Adley Rutschman returned from a 10-game injured list and recorded two hits, including a go-ahead eighth-inning homer. Earlier scoring included a three-run Coby Mayo homer and a Michael Massey tying blast in the eighth, sending the series to a Wednesday rubber match.

By Daniel Hayes | JQJO News

Timeline of Events

Adley Rutschman returned from the injured list and started the game for Baltimore.
Coby Mayo hit a three-run home run in the second inning to put Baltimore ahead.
Bobby Witt Jr. provided a sacrifice fly in the seventh that produced a go-ahead run for Kansas City.
Rutschman hit a two-run homer in the eighth; Michael Massey homered in the bottom of the eighth to tie the game.
In the ninth inning, Maikel Garcia scored on a wild pitch by Ryan Helsley, ending the game 6-5 and snapping Kansas City’s eight-game skid.

News Intelligence

This game was a rollercoaster for Royals fans. After an eight-game losing streak, a win was much needed. The victory also showcases the potential of young players like Garcia and Witt Jr. If you're a baseball fan, especially a Royals supporter, this is a morale booster.

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Who Benefited

The Kansas City Royals benefited by snapping an eight-game losing streak, improving team morale and earning a relief win for Lucas Erceg while Maikel Garcia delivered the decisive run on a wild pitch.

Who Impacted

The Baltimore Orioles suffered a walk-off loss after a wild pitch by Ryan Helsley allowed the winning run; the club also saw a previously effective bullpen give up a tying home run and late-inning control problems.

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