KC Royals had two big positives in win vs. Orioles. Vinnie Pasquantino was one
The Kansas City Royals took their lumps against the Milwaukee Brewers earlier this week.
The offense was inconsistent, evident by KC scoring just two runs in its final 20 innings against the Brew Crew. Despite scoring 11 runs in Monday’s game, the Royals failed to establish any offensive momentum.
KC returned home to Kauffman Stadium on Friday. A weekend series against the Baltimore Orioles offered a chance to reset. And the Royals showed improvement in one key area.
The Royals capitalized on a few defensive miscues in an 8-2 victory over the Orioles. More importantly, KC found success with runners in scoring position.
“That’s just what we can do,” Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. said. “Our lineup is deep and it’s just guys getting on base and doing their jobs.”
In their last two games, the Royals were 2-for-13 with runners in scoring position. They also left 13 runners on base.
That wasn’t the case on Friday. The Royals were 4-for-13 against the Orioles as the increased opportunities led to key runs being scored.
It started in the fourth.
Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia hit a two-run single up the middle. Two Royals, catcher Salvador Perez and designated hitter Cavan Biggio, scored on the play to give KC an early lead.
Garcia worked a seven-pitch at-bat and hit a 91.9 mph sinker from Orioles starter Dean Kramer into center field.
“It’s a situation game,” Garcia said. “Just a 3-2 count and just trying to put the ball in play. See what happens and just bring the guy to home plate.”
Later, Garcia added an RBI single in the eighth. It was another clutch moment as he is hitting .381 (8-for-21) with six RBIs to start the season.
Then, Vinnie Pasquantino broke the game open with a three-run single against Orioles reliever Cionel Perez.
“Never, that was my first time,” Garcia said, asked if he had ever seen a three-run single.
The Royals (3-4) manufactured their offense. It was their calling card during their 2024 postseason run that included a trip to the American League Division Series.
KC finished with 11 hits. The increased scoring chances could bode well for the offense finding a rhythm moving forward.
“I wasn’t concerned with the at-bats,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “I mean, we are going to have stretches throughout the season where things go the way that they have. And we are going to have plenty of stretches where they go much better. So, six games into the season was certainly not the time to worry.”
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Here are more notable aspects from Friday’s game:
Vinnie Pasquantino returns to first base
Pasquantino made his presence felt on Friday. In addition to his rare three-run single, he also returned to his first base position.
It was the first time Pasquantino has played first this season. He was nursing a right hamstring strain and operated primarily as a designated hitter through the first six games.
Pasquantino was challenged defensively in the game. He held up well and made a couple nice defensive stops. He also had to contend with rainy conditions at Kauffman Stadium.
“He looked good,” Quatraro said. “He made that nice play ranging to his right. You know, there were a lot of close plays at first tonight and he had to stretch a bunch.”
The Royals will continue to monitor Pasquantino as he continues to field his position. On Friday, he looked strong in the latest step of his recovery.
Tyler Tolbert records career milestone
It’s been a special week for Royals speedster Tyler Tolbert. He made his MLB debut against the Brewers and turned in some solid defensive work.
On Friday, Tolbert recorded his first career steals of his career. In the seventh inning, Tolbert pinch ran for Royals leadoff hitter Jonathan India. Tolbert stole two bases in the frame against Orioles reliever Seranthony Dominguez.
What’s next: The Royals continue their three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles on Saturday afternoon. Right-hander Michael Wacha will make his second start of the 2025 season.
This story was originally published April 4, 2025 at 9:34 PM.
