SEATTLE, WA – Vinnie Pasquantino delivered a clutch two-run single in the seventh inning, propelling the Kansas City Royals to a hard-fought 3-2 victory over the Seattle Mariners on Thursday night. The win marked a dramatic come-from-behind effort for the Royals, who broke a scoreless tie in the decisive seventh frame.
The Mariners had drawn first blood in the fourth inning when Jorge Polanco launched a solo home run, putting Seattle up 1-0. Polanco continued to be a thorn in the Royals’ side, adding two doubles later in the game.
Seattle’s starting pitcher, Logan Evans, recalled from Triple-A Tacoma, was impressive in his first big league start since May 10. Evans stifled the Royals’ offense through 5 2/3 scoreless innings, allowing just three hits while walking one and striking out three.
However, the game turned in the bottom of the seventh. Mariners reliever Casey Legumina (4-4) faltered, walking the first two batters, Kyle Isbel and Jonathan India, to open the inning. Carlos Vargas was called in to relieve Legumina, but the damage was already done. Bobby Witt Jr. stepped to the plate and tied the game with a single to center field, scoring Isbel. Witt then stole second base, putting runners on second and third for Pasquantino.
Pasquantino seized the opportunity, grounding a single to right field that drove in both Witt and India. Witt showcased his athleticism on the play, making an elusive move to avoid the tag from catcher Cal Raleigh to give the Royals a crucial two-run lead.
On the mound for the Royals, Seth Lugo (6-5) delivered a strong outing, surrendering just one run on six hits over 6 1/3 innings. He walked two and struck out seven, keeping the Royals in the game until the offense could break through.
The Royals’ bullpen held strong, with Lucas Erceg and Taylor Clarke each recording two key outs. Closer Carlos Estévez then entered in the ninth inning to secure his 24th save of the season, though not without some drama. Estévez gave up a leadoff homer to Dominic Canzone, cutting the Royals’ lead to one. With one out, a wild pitch advanced runners to second and third, putting the tying and go-ahead runs in scoring position. However, Estévez buckled down, striking out Julio Rodríguez and inducing a groundout from Cal Raleigh to end the game and preserve the victory.
In a notable individual achievement, Bobby Witt Jr. extended his road hitting streak to 23 games, breaking Hal McRae’s 42-year-old Kansas City record.
Looking ahead, the Royals will open a three-game series at Arizona against the Diamondbacks. Left-hander Kris Bubic (6-6, 2.25 ERA) will take the mound for Kansas City, facing off against Diamondbacks left-hander Eduardo Rodriguez (3-4, 5.13). Pregame coverage on Superstar Country 102.5 FM KQNK begins at 8:00 PM CDT, with first pitch from Chase Field in Phoenix, Arizona scheduled for 8:40 PM CDT.
