Royals' Merrifield loses hit streak at 31 games

Whit Merrifield's hit streak will make it into the Kansas City Royals record books, but no further.

On Thursday, the second baseman was held hitless for the first time since Sept. 10 of last year, breaking a streak of 31 games.

Merrifield, 30, broke the franchise record on Wednesday, previously held by Hall of Fame third baseman George Brett, who posted a 30-game hit streak in 1980.

The streak ended somewhat dramatically, as Thursday's contest against the Seattle Mariners wound up being pushed into extra innings. Merrifield came up in the 10th inning but ended up striking out, ending an 0-for-6 day.

During the offseason, the Royals signed Merrifield to a four-year, $16.25-million contract extension that includes a $10.5-million team option for the 2023 campaign.

Entering Thursday's contest Merrifield owned a remarkable .340/.380/.532 slash line with one homer, two doubles, and a pair of triples.