Whit Merrifield's record hit streak ends at 31 games

Whit Merrifield may have set a Kansas City Royals record, but the spirit of Joe DiMaggio can rest easy. After collecting at least one hit in his last 31 games, Merrifield’s streak came to an end during Thursday’s 7-6 loss to the Seattle Mariners.

The 30-year-old Merrifield had six chances to keep the streak alive, but couldn’t get it done. He finished the contest 0-for-6 with two strikeouts.

The streak appeared to be over in the bottom of the eighth. With the Royals up 6-4, Merrifield flew out to center. It didn’t look like he would get another opportunity to pick up a hit.

The Royals’ bullpen had other ideas. In an effort to get Merrifield one more at-bat, Brad Boxberger graciously gave up two runs in the top of the ninth, tying the contest 6-6. The rest of the Royals’ hitters must have had the same focus, because they failed to score in the bottom of the ninth.

After the Mariners tacked on a run in the top of the 10th, Merrifield got one more opportunity to bat in the bottom of the inning. With two outs in the 10th, Merrifield struck out to end the game.

While the end of the streak came in disappointing fashion, Merrifield still managed to set the Royals record for longest hitting streak in team history. He passed franchise icon George Brett in the process.

Brett — who had a 30-game hitting streak in 1980 — congratulated Merrifield Wednesday night after Merrifield broke that record.

Brett’s streak came over the course of one season. Merrifield’s was spread out from the end of the 2018 season to the beginning of the 2019 season.

DiMaggio defenders never really had an opportunity to sweat. While a 31-game hitting streak is a huge accomplishment — especially with batting averages falling these days — it’s a long way off from a 56-game hitting streak.

Merrifield took the opportunity to thank the fans after his hit streak came to an end Thursday. He even mentioned the mention DiMaggio in that message.

Merrifield’s excellent early performance hasn’t done much to lift the Royals in the standings. While he’s still hitting over .300 even after the 0-for-6, the Royals have now lost 10 straight games after opening the season 2-0.

Friday should provide both Merrifield and the Royals with a chance for a fresh start. Merrifield can look at start a new hitting streak, and the Royals can stop being so gracious to other teams and finally get back to winning games.

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Chris Cwik is a writer for Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at christophercwik@yahoo.com or follow him on Twitter! Follow @Chris_Cwik

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