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Billy Butler comes through with two key hits for Royals in Game 2 victory

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Billy Butler must be one of the first players in World Series history to take a curtain call after an RBI single. Such responses usually happen after home runs, but the home crowd at Kauffman Stadium wouldn't let Butler get away Wednesday night without waving "thanks" after he was removed for a pinch runner in Game 2.

Butler put the Kansas City Royals ahead to stay with an RBI single against Jean Machi in the deciding sixth-inning rally. Back in the first inning, Butler ensured the San Francisco Giants wouldn't keep a lead for long after they scored first for the second straight night.

Butler's dual contributions were key in a 7-2 victory that evened the Series at a game apiece.

"Especially at home, I felt like this definitely was a must-win game," Butler said.

Royals manager Ned Yost said Butler's go-ahead hit was crucial.

(AP)
(AP)

"The hit off Machi to put us ahead 3‑2 at that point was a monster hit for us," Yost said. "Because, again, I felt really strongly that whoever scored that third run was probably going to win the game."

It was timely because the Royals were able to play the final three innings with relief pitchers Kelvin Herrera, Wade Davis and Greg Holland on the mound protecting a lead. Against the Royals, that's almost certain doom.

"We know what our record is after that happens," Butler said.

With his playing time certain to be reduced over the next three games at AT&T Park, where there won't be a designated hitter used, Butler is trying to make every moment count in his first career Series appearance.

"It's not a disappointment at all," Butler said. "It's just the different rules. I'll be prepared for whatever the team needs, and hopefully I'll come up in a big situation and contribute in a way."

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After his hit in the sixth, Butler said he didn't want to do a curtain call, but his teammates encouraged him to step out.

"They were egging me on," Butler said.

Butler also realizes, somewhere deep, that he might be playing his final games with the Royals. He's due to hit free agency this offseason.

"This is all I know," Butler said of Kansas City, where he's played since 2007.

A face of the franchise in previous seasons, along with teammate Alex Gordon, Butler sustained a big drop in power the past two seasons, and put up probably his worst career numbers across the board in 2014. There were times when Butler would hear it from fans, either at the ballpark or via the media, about his declining numbers.

His performance in May, June and August was solid — among the best, or close to it, on a light-hitting team. And he's had several big moments in the Royals' first postseason since 1985 — none bigger than in the first inning when he tied the score with a sharp RBI single to left against Jake Peavy. Butler's hit snapped a team-wide streak of 0 for 17 with runners in scoring position.

"One of those plays where I found a hole," Butler said. "I've done it that same way other times and hit it right at somebody."

In Game 1, the Royals had squandered a handful of chances to score after the Giants stormed to a 3-0 lead in the first inning. Much of the enthusiasm was sucked from Kauffman after such an odious start for the home team, which had won eight straight games to start the postseason.

The Giants seemed poised to put a stranglehold on the Series after Gregor Blanco led off the top of the first in Game 2 with a solo home run. The Royals did not lose their poise.

"What can you do?" Butler said about falling in Game 1. "You're not going to win every game."

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David Brown is an editor for Big League Stew on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at rdbrown@yahoo-inc.com and follow him on Twitter!

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