KANSAS CITY — Maikel Garcia blasted a two-run homer and Michael Wacha delivered 5 2/3 strong innings as the Kansas City Royals edged the Minnesota Twins 2-1 on Friday night, extending the Twins’ losing streak to five games.
Garcia’s decisive two-run shot came in the third inning off Twins starter Pablo López. After a two-out single by Vinnie Pasquantino, Garcia connected on López’s first pitch, sending it high over the left-field bullpen for a 2-0 lead. Garcia and Pasquantino each finished the night with two hits.
The Twins’ lone run came in the fifth inning on consecutive doubles by Brooks Lee and Jhonny Pereda. The run marked Pereda’s first as he made his debut behind the plate for Minnesota. The loss further solidifies the Twins’ struggles, as they now hold the worst record in baseball since the July 31 trade deadline at 11-22.
Wacha (9-11) was stellar, allowing just one run on four hits and two walks while striking out five. The start continued his career-long success against the Twins, as he has now allowed fewer than three runs in nine of his 10 career starts against the club.
Carlos Estévez secured his major league-leading 38th save, aided by a spectacular sliding catch from center fielder Kyle Isbel.
The Royals were not without a scare, as star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. left the game after six innings with low back spasms.
LĂłpez (5-4) made his return from a three-month absence due to a right shoulder strain, pitching six innings and giving up two runs on six hits with four strikeouts.
In a key moment in the game, Garcia was initially called out on a force play at second base, but the call was overturned upon review after the Royals challenged that shortstop Brooks Lee had dropped the ball before touching the bag.
Despite the win, the Royals’ struggles with runners in scoring position continued. Over the first seven games of their current homestand, they are just 2 for 26 with runners in scoring position, with 10 of their 14 runs coming via home runs.
Looking ahead, Twins right-hander Joe Ryan (13-7, 3.08 ERA) will take the mound against Royals right-hander Stephen Kolek (4-5, 3.99) in Saturday’s contest.
