Tyler Tolbert went full speed on Nick Loftin’s single to left field, rounding third and beating the throw home to grab the 3-2 win for the Kansas City Royals over the New York Mets on Sunday, July 13.

Tolbert singled with one out in the ninth, then stole second. That set up Loftin to hit the game-winning RBI off Mets reliever Sean Manaea. The former Royals minor leaguer took the loss after going 3.1 innings, allowing the winning run on five hits while fanning seven. It was a productive day for Royals left fielders, as Loftin pinch hit for John Rave in the seventh inning, after Rave brought in the first two Royals runs in the second with a double. That would be the only scoring play until the top of the ninth, when Ronny Mauricio led off with a double, then scored on Jeff McNeil’s triple. A sacrifice fly by Jared Young tied the game, in the process causing Carlos Estévez to have his fifth blown save of the season and second of the series.

Despite the blown save, Estévez was credited with the win, leaving Noah Cameron with a no-decision despite the rookie striking out eight while allowing seven hits and two walks in 6.2 innings. Two Royals double plays contributed to the Mets leaving eight on base, denying the NL East leaders the sweep.

The Royals head into the All-Star Break with a 47-50 record, 12 games behind Detroit following their sweep by the Mariners. KC are 4.5 games behind those Mariners for the third wild card spot. Estévez along with Kris Bubic, Maikel Garcia, and Bobby Witt Jr are on their way to Atlanta to represent the American League in the All-Star Game. The Royals are back in action Friday evening in Miami when they face the Marlins.