Royals' Tyler Tolbert Ties MLB Record with 12 Straight Hits

Kansas City Royals outfielder Tyler Tolbert tied a Major League Baseball record with hits in 12 consecutive plate appearances Tuesday night, a historic feat that powered his team to a wild 16-12 comeback victory over the New York Mets at Citi Field.

Tolbert, a 28-year-old utility player, finished the game 5 for 6 with a two-run home run and four singles, three of which were infield hits. His streak, which spanned three games, matched the record set by Chicago’s Johnny Kling in 1902 and equaled by Walt Dropo of the Detroit Tigers in 1952. The bat he used Tuesday will be sent to the National Baseball Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, New York.

“I’m truly lost for words, honestly,” Tolbert said after the game. “It hasn’t really hit me.”

The record-tying hit was an infield single in the seventh inning. His chance to break the record ended in the ninth when he flied out to right field against reliever A.J. Minter, drawing a standing ovation from the announced crowd of 32,734 and his teammates. Following the win, the Royals celebrated Tolbert with a champagne toast in the visiting clubhouse.

The historic hitting spree began Saturday when Tolbert went 2 for 2 against the Philadelphia...