Royals Report: 4 Things About Father’s Day Walk-off Win

3) Paulo Orlando‘s Bunt Was A Big Play

Winning a 2-1 game often comes down to who can scratch out a run under tough circumstances. In the top of the 13th inning, the Royals caught a break when Salvdor Perez singled to begin the inning, and Detroit first baseman Miguel Cabrera‘s error allowed pinch runner Lorenzo Cain to advance to second. 

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That blunder caused the Tigers to walk Kendrys Morales with first base open, then Paulo Orlando laid down an excellent bunt, with Detroit expecting the play, to advance the runners to second and third. Orlando’s success at executing this fundamental play caused the Tigers to again issue an intentional walk to set up a force at any base.

In the end, that left Cheslor Cuthbert at the plate with the bases loaded and one out—all because Paulo Orlando succeeded in making a useful out. Cuthbert singled to left, to win the game 2-1.

In many ways, you have to say Paulo Orlando’s bunt was the play of the game. Orlando also just missed a home run when his double off Jordan Zimmerman slammed off the top of the wall in left center.  Orlando’s double moved the slow-footed Kendrys Morales to third base, who then scored on Brett Eibner‘s ground out up the middle.

Thus, although Orlando’s 1 for 4 line in the box score says he neither scored or drove in a run, he played a key role in both of the Kansas City Royals tallies on Father’s Day.

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