Royals Player Makes Incredible Leap To Score Game-Tying Run

Kansas City Royals outfielder MJ Melendez showed off his incredible athleticism with an incredible leap that cleared the Cleveland Guardians catcher hoping to tag him out.

Melendez went airborne and his slide to home plate was safe, which tied up the game, 3-2, versus Cleveland.

With two runners in scoring position and an out in the third inning, KC's Kyle Isbel hit a ground ball to first — Cleveland's Josh Naylor scooped up the ball near the base and went for the play at home plate. Melendez, taking off from third, turned on the turbo and tried to beat the early throw. 

CLEVELAND - MJ Melendez of the Kansas City Royals celebrates after scoring during the sixth inning against the Cleveland Guardians at Progressive Field on June 6. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

Rather than run into Guardian catcher Bo Naylor, Melendez jumped forward, over the player and landed with his hand on the plate before Naylor could tag him. 

Melendez missed the plate with his lead hand but eventually landed on it with his left. The home plate ump called it an out, but further review overturned the call, ruling Melendez safe. 

CLEVELAND - MJ Melendez of the Kansas City Royals dives over catcher Bo Naylor of the Cleveland Guardians to score during the sixth inning at Progressive Field on June 6. (Photo by Jason Miller/Getty Images)

CLEVELAND - Kansas City Royals left fielder MJ Melendez signals safe after scoring a run during the sixth inning of the Major League Baseball game between the Kansas City Royals and Cleveland Guardians on June 6 at Progressive Field. (Photo by Frank Jansky/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Melendez's effort elevated KC to a 4-3 win over the Guardians. 

Baseball players are athletes, too.

Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela

Send a message: alejandro.avila@outkick.com