Royals’ Tyler Tolbert ties MLB record with hits in 12 straight plate appearances

NEW YORK (AP) — Tyler Tolbert of the Kansas City Royals tied a major league record with hits in 12 consecutive plate appearances, reaching the mark with an infield single against the New York Mets for his fifth hit Tuesday night.

Tolbert matched the record set by Chicago’s Johnny Kling in 1902 and equaled by Walt Dropo of the Detroit Tigers in 1952.

The second-year player grinned as he walked back to first base following the record-tying hit. The Citi Field scoreboard flashed a graphic noting his accomplishment.

Batting ninth, the right fielder hit a two-run homer in the second inning and singled in the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh. Tolbert’s last three hits were infield hits.

Tolbert went 2 for 2 on Saturday night against Philadelphia before being lifted for a pinch-hitter. He then started at shortstop on Monday and went 5 for 5 with a homer, his first of the season.

A pinch-running and defensive specialist, Tolbert had 105 career plate appearances entering Tuesday’s game. Entering Saturday, he was 7 for 35 on the season. His fifth hit Tuesday lifted his batting average to .404.

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