Phillies supply fireworks at The K, soaking Royals in 4th of July series opener
AI-generated summary reviewed by our newsroom.
- The Royals lost 6-1 to the Phillies in the series opener at Kauffman Stadium.
- Phillies starter Jesus Luzardo struck out nine batters and improved to 7-4.
- The Royals fell to 35-54, 19 games under .500 and lost four straight.
Independence Day usually brings a packed house to Kauffman Stadium. And this year was no different as 30,419 fans showed up on Saturday night.
The Kansas City Royals faithful arrived for a fun-filled evening, a tradition that held a little more meaning as America this year celebrates its 250th birthday.
If fans were lucky, they would see a great ball game. The Royals didn’t hold up their end of the bargain, however, falling 6-1 to the Philadelphia Phillies in the series opener.
Offense was at a premium once again. The Royals had just four hits against Phillies starter Jesus Luzardo, who carved up the hosts’ starting lineup.
Luzardo recorded nine strikeouts — including the 900th of his career — in the National Leaguers’ victory.
The Royals couldn’t keep pace. Luzardo’s elite sweeper darted across the strike zone and he pounded hitters inside with his upper-90s sinker.
When needed, Luzardo was also able to pull out his four-seam fastball or off-speed changeup.
Luzardo struck out the side in the second inning. He later navigated a one-out double while surrendering one run. Third baseman Nick Loftin recorded an RBI single to cut into the Royals’ early deficit.
Luzardo wasn’t fazed. He scattered just two more hits — both to right fielder Tyler Tolbert — and went on to improve to 7-4 this season.
The Royals (35-54) dropped to 19 games under .500 with the loss. They have lost four straight and been outscored 25-7 during their current homestand.
The Royals’ starting pitcher, Michael Wacha, kept the deficit manageable. The veteran right-hander allowed four runs on eight hits in six innings but wasn’t his typically efficient self.
The Phillies (50-39) made Wacha work throughout. In the fourth inning, he surrendered consecutive homers to J.T. Realmuto and Gabriel Rincones Jr. Later, Alec Bohm tagged Wacha with a solo shot — his 11th home run of the year.
The three homers cost Wacha a quality start. Named an American League All-Star earlier Saturday, he took his sixth of 2026 loss despite logging seven strikeouts.
In their turns at the plate, the Royals struck out 14 times. They finished 1-for-5 with runners in scoring position and left five men on base.
What’s next: The Royals will send right-hander Luinder Avila (3-3, 5.40 ERA) to the mound on Sunday afternoon. He will oppose Phillies right-hander Aaron Nola (3-5, 6.04 ERA) in a game that begins at 2 p.m. Central Time.
