By HAILEY CHAPMAN
History was made Tuesday night as the Kansas City Royals’ Whit Merrifield beat this season’s record time for an in-the-park home run against the White Sox. Merrifield managed to touch all four bases and slide safely into home in a record 14.82 seconds (29.7 feet/second).
Not only Merrifield, but the entire Royals’ lineup was able to dominate offensively. They racked up 14 total hits off the White Sox pitching staff. Starting pitcher for Chicago was Dylan Cease, who gave up six runs on eight hits with one walk and seven strikeouts.
Merrifield and Hunter Dozier were both 3 for 5 at the plate with a combined five RBIs and two home runs. Dozier also was able to strike big with a triple, Merrifield with a double.
Cam Callagher doubled for two RBIs in his 1-for-2 performance, while Cheslor Cuthbert was 2 for 4 with an RBI.
Royals starting pitcher Glenn Sparkman threw a complete game shutout to secure the huge win. He allowed only five hits with a walk and eight strikeouts. Though the Royals did not commit an error, the team faced adversity when shortstop Adalberto Mondesi suffered a severe shoulder injury when diving for a pop up in the fifth inning.