Can Royals post a winning season? KC moved closer with key victory vs. Athletics
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- Royals secure non-losing season with 4-2 win over Athletics in West Sacramento.
- Veteran Michael Wacha delivers six scoreless innings in his 31st start of season.
- Closer Carlos Estévez locks down 42nd save, leading American League in 2025.
The Kansas City Royals will not finish 2025 with a losing record.
On Saturday, the Royals defeated the Athletics 4-2 at Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento, California. It was a key victory as the Royals are now guaranteed to finish at least .500.
Last season, the Royals won 86 games. Now, despite being eliminated from playoff contention, the Royals have a lot to play for in the final game of the 2025 regular season.
If the Royals (81-80) win Sunday’s finale, they will end with 82 victories. The number is significant, as it will be the first time since the 2013, 2014 and 2015 campaigns that KC has obtained consecutive winning seasons.
“We’ve secured a non-losing season, right,” Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino said. “So I think that’s pretty good. I think tomorrow, any time you can win more games than you lose, there’s positive from that. You just hope to win a few more games and get in the playoffs.”
A lot of credit goes to the Royals pitching staff. Injuries ravaged the starting rotation but longtime veteran Michael Wacha anchored the unit. Wacha was superb in Saturday’s win as he allowed two hits in six scoreless innings.
The Athletics didn’t present much trouble. Wacha navigated a few baserunners while maintaining an early lead. In the sixth inning, he worked around a walk and single to strike out Athletics designated hitter Brent Rooker to end the threat.
Wacha finished his night with three walks and five strikeouts. He concluded his career-best 31st start on a high note while guiding the Royals to victory.
“A career-high in starts, you know, that’s something that I’ve been striving for,” Wacha said. “Without the hiccup there toward the end of the year, you know, would’ve had another one. But definitely very grateful for the staff we have here to put in the work to stay healthy. And it’s good to be able to be reliable to go out there every five days.”
This season, Wacha recorded a 3.86 ERA in 172 ⅓ innings. It’s his second-most innings pitched in his MLB tenure.
The Royals aided Wacha with timely hitting. KC was gifted a run after Athletics catcher Shea Langeliers sailed a throw over the second base bag. Royals outfielder Mike Yastrzemski came home to score.
In the fifth inning, Pasquantino hit a bloop double that scored two runs. The Royals first baseman leads the team with 113 RBIs.
“I thought he looked great tonight,” Pasquantino said of Wacha. “I thought he looked great all year. ... A career high? Yeah, I mean, that’s really cool to be able to do that later on in his career like he just did. That’s super impressive, but that just shows who he is and what he means to this team.”
Wacha eventually turned the game over to the bullpen. John Schreiber, Angel Zerpa, Jonathan Bowlan and Carlos Estévez combined to shut the door.
The Athletics got both runs off Schreiber and Zerpa late. However, the Royals prevented a third — and game-tying — run as Bobby Witt Jr. cut down Langeliers on a fielder’s choice. Langeliers tried to advance to third base, but Witt threw him out.
“I don’t know if I’ve ever seen a guy thrown out of third from that far up the middle,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “You know, you see it on the right side sometimes when the ball is hit to the first baseman or second baseman. Great throw and great heads-up play for Maikel (Garcia) to be there for the tag.”
Bowlan later forced Athletics slugger Brent Rooker to hit into a double play. And in the ninth, Witt got it done with his bat. He hit an RBI single to provide a valuable insurance run.
“An extra run, especially in this ballpark is huge,” Quatraro said. “... Bowlan comes in and does an incredible job against Rooker. I mean, that’s a huge, huge at-bat.”
The late action would precede Estévez, who earned his 42nd save. Estévez will finish as the saves leader in the majors just ahead of San Diego Padres closer Robert Suarez for the 2025 season.
What’s next: The Royals will start All-Star ace Cole Ragans in the season finale. Ragans (3-3, 5.02 ERA) has looked sharp since returning from a left rotator cuff strain. The Athletics have not named a starter. First pitch is set for 2:05 p.m. Central.
This story was originally published September 28, 2025 at 12:02 AM.
