Benintendi's hit, catch lead Royals over Orioles 3-2

BALTIMORE (AP) — Andrew Benintendi hit a go-ahead single in the eighth inning, then reached above the left-field wall to take away a potential tying home run in the ninth, sending the Kansas City Royals over the Baltimore Orioles 3-2 Monday.

Anthony Santander led off the Orioles ninth with a fly that Benintendi caught, plucking the ball just above the fence.

“He hit it pretty high so it gave me a lot of time to get back there and kind of gauge it,” Benintendi said. “The wind started pushing it to right-center. So I just adjusted and tried to time it up. I’m glad I came down with it.”

Benintendi jogged several steps on the warning track with his head down and his glove against his chest before flipping the ball to center fielder Michael A. Taylor.

“He has to start showing us sooner that he has it in his glove,” Royals manager Mike Matheny said. “I know that delay is great for the opposition and the fans, but for me, I like to know what I thought I saw. Great play.”

Hanser Alberto homered against his former team to help the Royals win in their first visit to Camden Yards since August 2019.

Salvador Perez tied it at 2 with a bloop single in the eighth for the Royals. Benintendi provided the lead with an RBI hit off Cole Sulser (4-4).

Scott Barlow gave up a two-out single to pinch-hitter DJ Stewart in the ninth before striking out Jahmai Jones to earn his 11th save.

Royals deliver Domingo Tapia (2-0) got the win after throwing 1 2/3 hitless innings.

Cedric Mullins homered for the second consecutive day and has a team-high 26 for the Orioles, who fell to 1-79 when trailing after eight innings.

Jorge Lopez relieved in the seventh for Baltimore and had to leave the game after facing just one batter when he injured his right ankle trying to cover first base on a soft...

source https://www.chron.com/sports/article/Benintendi-s-hit-catch-lead-Royals-over-Orioles-16438876.php