Duda: Hosmer's aggressive play took some guts

Eric Hosmer's gamble appeared reckless at first glance, but it was actually a well-calculated risk fueled by the Kansas City Royals' coaching staff.

Trailing the New York Mets 2-1 in the ninth inning with one out in Game 5 of the World Series, Hosmer surprisingly broke home from third on a groundball hit to the left side of the infield. As the throw from David Wright went to first base to record the out, Hosmer called the bluff of Lucas Duda, forcing him to make a quick throw to the plate that sailed wide, allowing the tying run to score.

"We knew that Duda can struggle a little bit there, and doesn't have the strongest arm," Royals third base coach Mike Jirschele told reporters. "The ball was hit perfect where (David) Wright had to leave the bag to go get it."

(Courtesy: MLB.com)

Duda took ownership for the errant throw and acknowledged that's a play he needs to make. The first baseman also credited Hosmer's aggressiveness given the circumstances.

"It took some balls. It really did take some balls," Duda said. "Down by one in the ninth, two outs, you've got to tip your hat. He got an outstanding read, and, like I said, I didn't make the throw."

After leaving the tying run at third base a season ago in Game 7 of the World Series, the Royals weren't prepared to play things safe the second time around.

"If he throws it right on the bag, he's out," first base coach Rusty Kuntz said. "We'll take that chance. This is the World Series. We don't 'What if,' No. We just go."

Kansas City went on to score five in the 12th inning in the Game 5 win, claiming its second World Series in franchise history.