The Kansas City Royals extended their winning streak to four games on Friday night, securing a 6-5 victory over the San Diego Padres. Key offensive contributions came from Salvador Perez, who delivered the go-ahead single in the eighth inning, and Jonathan India and Bobby Witt Jr., who each blasted home runs.
Witt Jr. initiated the scoring for the Royals in the first inning with a solo shot to left field off Padres' pitcher Nick Pivetta. This was Witt's 11th home run of the season. In the fifth inning, India extended the Royals' lead with a three-run homer to left, his fourth of the year. Pivetta had walked Freddy Fermin and Nick Loftin consecutively before India's homer.
The Padres, however, mounted a comeback. They chased Royals starter Matt Lorenzen in the sixth inning, narrowing the score to 4-2. Gavin Sheets then tied the game in the seventh with a two-out, two-run single off Royals reliever Lucas Erceg.
The Royals regained the lead in the eighth. Jason Adam, the Padres' reliever, allowed a single and a walk to start the inning. Salvador Perez then stepped up and delivered a clutch single to left field, driving in Maikel Garcia for the go-ahead run. Drew Waters added an RBI single later in the inning, providing an insurance run.
Manny Machado hit his 12th home run to lead off the bottom of the ninth against Carlos Estévez, cutting the Royals' lead to one run. However, Estévez managed to retire the next three batters, securing his 22nd save of the season.
The Padres were without manager Mike Shildt, who served a one-game suspension. The suspension stemmed from a recent incident where Fernando Tatis Jr. was hit by a pitch. Adding to the Padres' woes, closer Robert Suarez is currently appealing a three-game suspension for hitting Shohei Ohtani with a pitch. Despite the incident, Tatis was in the lineup and started Friday night's game, with imaging showing no damage from being hit by the pitch.
For the Royals, this win marks a continuation of their strong play. They began their current road trip with a three-game sweep of the Texas Rangers. The Padres, on the other hand, have struggled recently, losing eight of their last 11 games.
Other notable performances for the Royals recently include Maikel Garcia, who is currently on an incredible streak. Just recently Garcia went 3-for-4 with a home run, a triple, four RBIs and two runs scored. Also Vinnie Pasquantino launched his 11th home run of the season in a game against the Rangers.
With the victory, the Royals continue to solidify their position. The team will look to continue their winning ways as they continue their series against the Padres.
