SACRAMENTO, CALF. – Bobby Witt Jr. continued his scorching hot streak on Tuesday night, launching a three-run home run in the 10th inning to lift the Kansas City Royals to a 4-1 victory over the Athletics. The win marks the fourth consecutive triumph for the surging Royals.
Late-Inning Heroics
With the game deadlocked in the 10th, Witt took a 1-0 offering from Justin Sterner (1-3) deep to right-center field. The blast drove in Nick Loftin and Kyle Isbel, the latter of whom reached after beating out a popped-up bunt attempt. Witt’s decisive homer not only secured the lead but also extended his personal hitting streak to nine games.
The Royals initially struggled to find offense until veteran Salvador Perez tied the game 1-1 in the sixth inning with a solo shot off Hogan Harris. The home run was the 308th of Perez’s distinguished career.
Pitching and Defense
The Royals’ pitching staff navigated several high-pressure situations to preserve the win:
- Kris Bubic: Battled through five innings, allowing just one run despite walking four batters.
- Nick Mears (2-1): Earned the win after striking out two in a clean ninth inning.
- Lucas Erceg: Secured his seventh save of the season by escaping a bases-loaded jam in the 10th, inducing a game-ending liner from Darell Hernaiz.
The Athletics’ lone run came early in the second inning when Zack Gelof reached on an infield single and was driven home by Jacob Wilson. A’s starter Aaron Civale was effective, tossing five scoreless innings before exiting with a 1-0 lead that the bullpen could not hold.
Notable Milestones and Injuries
Despite the loss, Oakland’s Nick Kurtz made history by drawing a walk in the first inning. He has now walked in 17 consecutive games, an Athletics franchise record and a feat last achieved in the majors by Barry Bonds in 2007.
The game was marred by two departures due to injury:
- Tyler Soderstrom (A’S): Exited in the fifth after diving for a ball.
- Vinnie Pasquantino (KC): Left the game after grounding out in the sixth.
Up Next
The series continues Wednesday night as Kansas City looks to extend its winning streak.
| Pitcher | Team | Record/ERA |
| Michael Wacha | Royals | 2-1, 2.51 ERA |
| Luis Severino | Athletics | 1-2, 5.17 ERA |
