Salvador Perez showcased his prowess at the plate, driving in four runs with two hits, while Bobby Witt Jr. crossed home plate four times, propelling the Kansas City Royals to a resounding 11-7 victory over the New York Mets on Saturday. Witt’s impressive performance marked his second four-run game of the week, following his stellar showing in Thursday’s 13-3 win against the Houston Astros. Although he narrowly missed scoring a fifth run in the sixth inning, as Brandon Nimmo made a remarkable leaping catch at the right-centerfield wall to deny him a three-run homer.
Not to be outdone, Perez also contributed with a home run, while Nick Loftin delivered a career-best three RBIs. The Royals’ triumph improved their record to 10-5, a feat achieved only seven times in the franchise’s history. Hunter Renfroe added to the offensive display with a two-run double, and Nelson Velázquez and Freddy Fermin each contributed an RBI hit. On the pitching front, Alec Marsh (2-0) allowed four runs in five innings to secure the win.
Despite the Mets’ efforts, including Pete Alonso’s solo homers in the third and sixth innings, which earned him three RBIs, they fell short of reaching a .500 record for the season. Alonso’s multi-homer game marked his 20th, leaving him just two shy of Darryl Strawberry’s franchise record. Sean Manaea (1-1) struggled on the mound, surrendering eight runs (six earned) in 3 2/3 innings after an impressive start to the season with only one run allowed over 11 innings in his first two outings.
The series will conclude on Sunday, with the Mets planning to bring up RHP José Buttó (0-0, 1.50 ERA) from Triple-A Syracuse to start against the Royals’ LHP Cole Ragans (0-1, 2.60 ERA). Pregame on Classic Hits KQNK 106.7 FM, 102.5 FM & 1530 AM will begin at noon, with a 12:40 p.m. first pitch scheduled from Citi Field in New York.
