By MATT PIKE
The Kansas City Royals lost the lead, but took it back, and held on for their fourth straight victory, defeating the San Diego Padres at Petco Park on Friday night 6-5.
Kansas City picked up right where they left off after sweeping the Texas Rangers scoring four runs before the Padres could answer, first getting a solo home run from Bobby Witt Jr in the first inning to left field, his 10th of the season. The Royals added three more runs in the fifth inning on another home run, a three run blast by Jonathan India, scoring Freddy Fermin and Nick Loftin for the 4-0 lead.
Bobby’s back at it again. 💥 pic.twitter.com/Gr4Ur79C4D
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) June 21, 2025
Indy destroyed this one. pic.twitter.com/wq1688S33K
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) June 21, 2025
The Padres though rallied back to tie the game. In the bottom half of the fifth a single by Luis Arraez scored Trenton Brooks who doubled to open the inning. In the sixth inning another run scored as Jose Iglesias singled home Xander Bogaerts, before San Diego tied the game in the seventh with a two run inning, Arraez and Manny Machado scoring on a single by Gavin Sheets.
A seemingly renewed offense though for the Royals rallied in the eighth to take the lead back. Maikel Garcia singled and Vinnie Pasquantino walked, before a single by Salvador Perez drove in Garcia for the go ahead run. With John Rave pinch running for Pasquantino, Rave stole second base, and came home to score later in the inning on a single by Drew Waters with two outs for the 6-4 lead.
After a scoreless eighth inning by Steven Cruz, Carlos Estévez came to the mound in the ninth inning for Kansas City looking for the save with the two run lead. Estévez was greeted with a leadoff home run by Machado, but then forced three straight pop outs to earn his 22nd save for the Royals.
Lucas Erceg blew his first save of the season in relief, but earned the win improving to 2-2 on the season, pitching one inning and giving up two runs on three hits, walking one. At the plate, India was 3-for-5 with the home run and three RBI’s while Garcia was 3-for-5 with a double and a run scored.
Kansas City and San Diego continue their series tomorrow. Noah Cameron (2-2, 1.91 ERA) starts for the Royals against Dylan Cease (2-6, 4.69 ERA) for the Padres. First pitch is at 6:15pm, pregame will begin at 5:30 on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM).
You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.
