WEST SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Behind a dominant performance from Luis Severino and a towering home run by Lawrence Butler, the Athletics defeated the Kansas City Royals 5-2 on Wednesday night. The win effectively halted the Royals’ four-game winning streak and saw Athletics rookie Nick Kurtz inch closer to a historic MLB milestone.
Severino Sharp, Butler Provides the Power
Luis Severino (2-2) looked every bit like a veteran ace, stifling the Royals’ lineup over seven innings. Severino surrendered just one run on four hits while racking up eight strikeouts. With the win, he improves his career record against Kansas City to an impressive 6-1.
The offense provided plenty of support, highlighted by Lawrence Butler’s 404-foot three-run home run in the fourth inning. The blast broke the game open, turning a narrow lead into a 4-1 advantage for the Athletics. Mark Leiter Jr. secured the final out in the ninth to earn his third save of the season.
Chasing Bonds and History
The night’s biggest storyline centered on Nick Kurtz, who drew a walk to extend his streak to 18 consecutive games with a base on balls.
This performance sets a new franchise record and moves Kurtz into elite company:
- 18 Games: Tied with Barry Bonds (2002) for the longest single-season streak in nearly 80 years.
- 19 Games: Ted Williams (1941).
- 22 Games: Roy Cullenbine (1947), the all-time MLB record.
Kurtz also contributed an RBI double in the win, though he was later ruled out at home following a replay review on a close play in the fourth inning.
Royals Standouts
Despite the loss, Kansas City saw continued excellence from Bobby Witt Jr., who went 2-for-4 and scored both of the Royals’ runs, extending his hitting streak to 10 games. Salvador Perez and Michael Massey accounted for the Royals’ RBIs.
Starter Michael Wacha (2-2) struggled with his command, allowing four runs on eight hits and four walks over five innings of work.
Statistical Leaders
| Player | Performance | Key Stat |
| Luis Severino | 7.0 IP, 1 ER, 8 K | 6-1 career vs. KC |
| Lawrence Butler | 1-for-4, 3-run HR | 404-foot home run |
| Carlos Cortes | 2-for-3, 1 BB | Hitting .400 on the season |
| Nick Kurtz | 1-for-3, 2B, 1 BB | 18 straight games with a walk |
Up Next
The two teams continue their three-game series on Thursday. Kansas City will send Noah Cameron (2-1, 5.13 ERA) to the mound, while the Athletics will counter with Jeffrey Springs (3-2, 3.79 ERA).
