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Royals Turn Rare 5-6-4-3 Double Play in Win Over Guardians

Elias Sports Bureau confirmed it was MLB’s first since August 1995.

Overview

  • The Royals, who executed the unusual infield relay Monday in Cleveland, won 4-2 and backed starter Michael Wacha’s seven efficient innings.
  • Off Rhys Hoskins’ hard grounder in the fourth with Kyle Manzardo on first, Maikel Garcia knocked the ball down at third, Bobby Witt Jr. grabbed it, Jonathan India took the feed at second, and Vinnie Pasquantino finished at first.
  • Players said instincts carried the moment, yet they also pointed to pregame infield work led by coach Jose Alguacil that sharpened their reads and throws.
  • Scorekeeping lists it as 5-6-4-3, meaning third base to shortstop to second base to first base, a sequence that almost never happens without a fortunate carom and perfect timing.
  • Elias traced the previous example to the Giants in Montreal on Aug. 24, 1995, and none of the four Royals infielders had been born then.