Royals Avoid Sweep with Nick Loftin Walk-Off vs Mets

The Kansas City Royals avoided a series sweep by defeating the New York Mets 3-2 with a walk-off single by Nick Loftin, marking Loftin's second game-winning hit in less than a week. Tyler Tolbert played a crucial role by singling and stealing second base in the ninth inning, setting up Loftin's game-winning RBI. Rookie pitcher Noah Cameron continued his impressive season with a strong performance, pitching 6 2/3 scoreless innings with eight strikeouts, helping the Royals maintain a lead established by John Rave's two-run double in the second inning. Despite a late Mets rally, including an RBI triple by Jeff McNeil and a sacrifice fly by Jared Young, the Royals held on with strong bullpen support from closer Carlos Estévez. Loftin acknowledged a defensive misplay earlier in the ninth that allowed the Mets to tie, but his clutch hit redeemed the team. The Royals enter the All-Star break with a 47-50 record and will resume play with a three-game road series against the Miami Marlins.