Royals’ Tyler Tolbert ties MLB hit record during wild Mets affair

In the ninth inning of a wild game at Citi Field, Tyler Tolbert flew out to right field, ending a historic streak. After producing a hit in a record-tying 12 consecutive plate appearances, the Kansas City Royals outfielder settled for an MLB record and the shared spotlight with Hall of Famer Roberto Clemente.

Collecting back-to-back five-hit games for the first time since Clemente in 1970, Tolbert said during a post-game interview that the experience was “something I’ll never forget. All I can do is smile and be grateful for the opportunity.”

The Royals, who earned a 16-12 win, handed the Mets their second loss in 204 games in which they scored at least 12 runs.

Tolbert tied the league mark with his 12th straight hit Tuesday, an infield single off reliever Matt Seelinger (0-1), who surrendered seven runs on 52 pitches. Tolbert’s fourth-inning single to right field off Kodai Senga, his 10th in a row, established a franchise record.

After trailing 9-4 entering the fifth inning, the Royals (38-54) scored five runs in the fifth and seven in the seventh to stun the Mets (38-54) during an interleague matchup.

“This was a crazy game,” Tolbert said. “It was really fun. Our offense was relentless.

“We just kept hittin’.”

Royals’ Tyler Tolbert seeks to retain first-half momentum

One of the most popular players in the Royals’ locker room, the humble, hard-working Tolbert looked over at his teammates as they rose from the bench to celebrate his historic accomplishment.

“They got my back and I got their back,” said Tolbert, who raised his batting average from .200 to .396 over the past three games.

The second-year big leaguer was optioned to Triple-A Omaha earlier this season, but persevered, returned to the Royals and created history. In 48 big-league at-bats this season, he registered a .976 OPS.

Attempting to forge his MLB identity, Tolbert should have momentum and confidence entering the All-Star break.