Chance for redemption made Royals' Hosmer 'happiest guy in the stadium'

Hours after committing the biggest error of his career, Kansas City Royals first baseman Eric Hosmer stepped into the batter's box, drove a 90-mph fastball into deep right field, and redeemed himself.

"I was the happiest guy in the stadium to have another opportunity to do something positive," Hosmer said. "Obviously, you don't want the game to end like that (after an error)."

The two-time Gold Glove winner committed a rare defensive gaffe in the top of the eighth inning Tuesday, bungling a chopper off the bat of Wilmer Flores that allowed Juan Lagares to score the go-ahead run and give the New York Mets a 4-3 lead late in Game 1 of the World Series.

"It took kind of a funny hop," Hosmer said, "but no excuses. I have to make that play."

As the Royals came to bat in the bottom of the ninth, it appeared Hosmer's error would prove fatal, especially with closer Jeurys Familia - who had yet to allow a run this postseason - on the mound. But with one out, Alex Gordon stepped to the plate and absolved his first baseman with a game-tying solo shot that sailed well over the center-field fence at Kauffman Stadium, rendering Hosmer speechless.

"I don't remember if I said anything," Hosmer said. "I just hugged him. I told him I didn't have any words."

A bullpen battled ensued, with the series opener stretching all the way to the 14th inning before the Royals staged a rally that afforded Hosmer a chance to be the hero. After Alcides Escobar reached on an error to lead off the inning, Ben Zobrist poked a single to right, and Lorenzo Cain was walked intentionally to load the bases, Hosmer came to the plate with nobody out and a glorious opportunity to plate the game's winning run. This time, he didn't miss, sending a sac fly into right field that allowed Escobar to score easily and give the Royals an early 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven showdown.

"You're definitely relieved, that's for sure," he said. "Exhausted at the same time, but any time you can get a victory, doesn't matter how long of a wait, we'll play it out as long as we can."