(Mandatory Credit: Wendell Cruz-USA TODAY Sports)
The KC Royals’ game against Boston Tuesday night, a roller-coaster affair with almost too many lead changes to count, came down to one batter in the top of the ninth. Royal Ryan O’Hearn faced Red Sox reliever Matt Barnes with two out, none on, and Kansas City trailing by a run.
A few weeks ago, a one-run game left up to O’Hearn offered no hope. With his ability to hit major league pitching lost somewhere in the past, O’Hearn posed little threat and inspired even less confidence in a successful outcome.