Tolbert's Record-Breaking Streak
Tyler Tolbert Ties MLB Record, Royals Stage Dramatic 16-12 Rally Against Mets
Tyler Tolbert tied one of baseball's oldest records Tuesday night, getting hits in 12 straight plate appearances to help the Kansas City Royals stun the New York Mets 16-12 at Citi Field. According to Daily Gazette, Tolbert went 5-for-6 on the night, capping a remarkable two-game stretch that matched a mark first set in 1902.
The Royals trailed 9-4 before exploding for five runs in the fifth inning and seven more in the seventh. The comeback win extended Kansas City's winning streak to three games, per Kansas City Star.
Tolbert Ties a 123-Year-Old MLB Record
The record Tolbert matched has stood for over a century. Chicago's Johnny Kling first set it in 1902. Detroit's Walt Dropo tied it in 1952. Now Tolbert joins that short list, according to Winnipeg Free Press. No player in major league history has ever reached 13 consecutive plate appearances with a hit.
Tolbert's streak spanned multiple games, building quietly before exploding into the national spotlight Tuesday. His 5-for-6 night was the centerpiece of a Royals offense that sent every starter to the plate multiple times in the big seventh inning, per Seattle PI.
Royals Storm Back From a Five-Run Deficit
Kansas City looked to be in serious trouble after falling behind 9-4. But the Royals chipped away with five runs in the fifth inning to pull within striking distance. Then the seventh inning changed everything. Kansas City erupted for seven runs, turning a close game into a blowout.
Every player in the Royals' lineup drove in at least one run on the night, according to Rutland Herald. That kind of top-to-bottom production made the 16-12 final score possible even as the Mets kept finding ways to score.
A Wild, High-Scoring Night at Citi Field
The game featured home runs, stolen bases, and 28 combined runs. Both bullpens struggled badly to keep hitters in check. The Mets scored 12 runs and still lost by four. It was one of the most chaotic regular-season games of the 2025 season so far, per The Wichita Eagle.
The loss stings for New York, which gave up a big lead and watched its pitching staff get shelled in the late innings. For Kansas City, the win was a statement. The Royals showed they can outscore anyone on a given night, even after falling behind by five.
What Comes Next for Tolbert and the Royals
Tolbert now carries one of the rarest stat lines in baseball history into the next game. His streak is officially tied at 12. Any hit in his next plate appearance would give him the record outright — something no player has done in over 120 years of professional baseball.
Kansas City enters Wednesday riding a three-game winning streak. The Royals still have more games against the Mets in this series, giving Tolbert a quick shot at history. The entire baseball world will be watching his first at-bat, per Star Democrat.
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