Royals Closer Jonathan Broxton Makes Dubious History

New Kansas City Royals closer Jonathon Broxton made his first save opportunity of the season a memorable one. Broxton, formerly of the Dodgers, came into the game in the bottom of the 12th inning of the Royals’ April 11th game against the Oakland Athletics.  The Royals had a one run lead at the time.   Broxton struck out the first batter he faced, but after pinch hitter Seth Smith reached first on an error by shortstop Alcides Escobar, Broxton loaded the bases with two walks.  Oakland tied the game on a run scoring groundout by Coco Crisp.

Then it got interesting.  Broxton hit Yoenis Cespedes with a pitch to once again load the bases, then he hit Jonny Gomes with a pitch, forcing in a run and Oakland had an improbably victory.  According to Baseball Reference.com, it was the first time a game had ended with consecutive hit batters since 1966, and only the 57th time since 1948.  We were at one of those 57, this game back in 1992, when Rob Dibble of the Reds hit Rey Sanchez of the Cubs in the bottom of the 10th inning to end it.  Definitely a strange way to end a game.