Royals fall to Padres 3-2 on June 23, 2025, despite a Salvador Perez homer and multi-hit game from Bobby Witt Jr. Read how the late-game rally fell short.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was a classic case of so close, yet so far for the Kansas City Royals on Monday. Despite a clutch two-run homer from Salvador Perez and a multi-hit performance from Bobby Witt Jr., the Royals couldn't hold on, dropping a nail-biter to the San Diego Padres, 3-2. The loss at Petco Park stings, pushing the team's record to 38-39 but keeping them firmly in the hunt in a contentious AL Central.
Salvador Perez provided the Royals' only runs with his 13th home run of the season, a two-run shot in the sixth inning.
The game was a pitcher's duel for much of the night. Starter Alec Marsh delivered a solid performance, navigating 5.2 innings while allowing just two runs and striking out six. The Royals' offense was quiet until the sixth inning when Salvador Perez broke the silence, launching a two-run blast to score Vinnie Pasquantino and give Kansas City a temporary lead. Bobby Witt Jr. did his part, collecting two hits in four at-bats. However, Padres infielder Jose Iglesias played spoiler, driving in the tying run and later the game-winner, handing the Royals a frustrating loss to close out the series.
If there's a silver lining, it's the continued production from the captain. Salvy's sixth-inning homer was his 13th of the year and a reminder of the game-changing power he possesses. The veteran catcher has been heating up in June, collecting 2 home runs and 8 RBI over his last 10 contests. While his season slash line sits at .235/.295/.410, his recent power surge is a crucial element for a Royals lineup that needs consistent run production.
The loss drops the Royals to 38-39 on the season, a game below the .500 mark that has become a key psychological battleground. Despite the setback, the team remains in second place in the AL Central. Manager Matt Quatraro's squad is in the midst of a tight divisional race where every win feels magnified. The pressure is on to avoid prolonged slumps and capitalize on opportunities to gain ground.
The front office stood pat on Monday, with no significant roster moves or injuries to report. The message is clear: the club has faith in the current group to compete. Meanwhile, the future continues to look bright. The farm system is bearing fruit, with prospects like Noah Cameron and Eric Cerantola already contributing at the big-league level this year. Fans should also keep an eye on the next wave, including promising catcher Carter Jensen and pitcher Steven Zobac, who are making names for themselves in the minors.
One tough loss doesn't define a season, but it certainly raises the stakes. The Royals are holding steady with their current roster, banking on their core to navigate this tight AL Central race. With the team hovering just below .500, the upcoming series are critical. Kansas City needs to shake off this tough defeat, get the bats going beyond the occasional long ball, and prove they have the resilience to stay in the thick of the playoff hunt.
