By MATT PIKE
Maikel Garcia hit a two-run homer and Michael Wacha pitched 5 2/3 strong innings as the Kansas City Royals beat the Minnesota Twins 2-1 on Friday night, climbing ever closer to the bottom spot in the AL Wildcard.
Garcia hit Pablo López’s first pitch high above the left-field bullpen after Vinnie Pasquantino singled with two out in the third inning for a 2-0 lead. Brooks Lee and Jhonny Pereda hit consecutive doubles in the fifth inning for the Twins’ run.
Maikel Garcia, 412’ blast! 💥 pic.twitter.com/MOy7FM6mZk
— Kansas City Royals (@Royals) September 6, 2025
Wacha, improved to 9-11 earning the win, allowing a run on four hits and two walks, striking out five. Carlos Estévez earned his major league-best 38th save with help from a sliding catch by center fielder Kyle Isbel. At the plate, Garcia was 2-for-4 with the home run and two RBI’s. Pasquantino was 2-for-4 with a double.
Bobby Witt Jr. left the game after six innings due to low back spasms.
Next up, Kansas City and Minnesota continue their series on Saturday. Stephen Kolek (4-5, 3.99) takes the mound for the Royals against Joe Ryan (13-7, 3.08 ERA) for the Twins. First pitch is at 6:15pm, which will be joined on KFEQ (680AM/95.3FM) following the Missouri and Kansas game.
You can follow Matt on X @KfeqMatt.
