Story perspectives

Cardinals Edge Royals 5-4 in 11, Pozo Walk-Off

5/17/2026

Summary

Story summary

The St. Louis Cardinals beat the Kansas City Royals 5-4 in 11 innings on Friday with a walk-off single by pinch-hitter Yohel Pozo.
Jordan Walker added three hits, including his 13th home run.
Manager Oliver Marmol earned his 351st win, tying Joe Torre for ninth in Cardinals history.
The loss was the Royals’ fifth straight to St. Louis and extended their road slump to 17 of 23 games.

History

Historical Context

In the 1975 World Series Game 6, Boston Red Sox catcher Carlton Fisk hit a walk-off home run in the 12th inning, forcing Game 7. Fisk’s homer lifted Boston to a 7-6 victory, the only 12-run comeback in World Series history, and drew 44,000 fans at Fenway. Similarly, on April 5 2024 the St. Louis Cardinals defeated the Kansas City Royals 5-4 in 11 innings when pinch-hitter Yohel Pozo delivered a walk-off single. The parallel underscores how walk-off moments continue to shape franchise narratives, boosting Cardinals’ win totals while deepening Royals’ road struggles.

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Story summary

The St. Louis Cardinals beat the Kansas City Royals 5-4 in 11 innings on Friday with a walk-off single by pinch-hitter Yohel Pozo.
Jordan Walker added three hits, including his 13th home run.
Manager Oliver Marmol earned his 351st win, tying Joe Torre for ninth in Cardinals history.
The loss was the Royals’ fifth straight to St. Louis and extended their road slump to 17 of 23 games.

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