KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Hunter Dozier was frustrated, and he had every right to be.



It was the third inning of Sunday’s game between the Kansas City Royals and the Cleveland Indians, and the Royals had loaded the bases. It was Dozier’s time to unload them. Instead, he struck out. Afterward, he tapped the bat on the ground. Dozier did not tap out of love.



He tapped knowing he had let an opportunity slip at a time when his team needed him the most. He walked back toward the dugout and quickly lifted his helmet. He knew he would get another plate appearance, but he hoped he would get another chance in a situation like that one, with his team needing him the most.



In the bottom of the ninth inning, Dozier did.



Dozier stepped up to the plate. He dug his right foot into the dirt and then planted his left. He fouled off the first pitch. The second was called a ball. Baserunner Terrance Gore, who had entered the game to pinch-run for the Royals,...