There were two things on everyone’s mind entering tonight. First, would the Kansas City Royals avoid their eighth—yes, eighth—consecutive loss? All before tax day, I might add. Second, would Whit Merrifield tie George Brett’s franchise record streak of 30 consecutive games with a hit?
The second question, at least, was answered quickly. Merrifield immediately cracked a beautiful Billy Butler-esque smash line drive to the right-enter gap leading off the bottom of the first. Unlike Butler, however, Merrifield used his speed to stretch the double into a triple. Regardless, Merrifield nabbed his 30th consecutive game with a hit, a streak stretching to last season.