Velázquez’s three-run home run lifts Royals past Mariners 4-2
May 14, 2024, 9:47 PM | Updated: 11:17 pm
(Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE (AP) — Nelson Velázquez hit a three-run homer in the seventh inning to put Kansas City ahead, and Michael Wacha worked six dominant innings as the Royals beat the Seattle Mariners 4-2 on Tuesday night.
Kansas City Royals 4, Seattle Mariners 2: Box Score
Velázquez’s third homer of the season spoiled a strong outing for Seattle starter Logan Gilbert, who had given up just three hits over six shutout innings entering the decisive frame.
It all fell apart for Gilbert (3-2) in the seventh, as Bobby Witt, Jr. led off with a walk and reached second on a Vinnie Pasquantino groundout to second base where Josh Rojas bobbled the ball to spoil the chance of a double play. Salvador Perez reached on an intentional walk, and scored when Velázquez sent a 398-foot blast to left field.
“They found a way to put some pressure on him late, he made a mistake, and the three-run homer was the big swing in the ballgame,” Mariners manager Scott Servais said. “But the stuff, the command, the competitiveness, it was pretty much what we’ve seen all year from Logan.”
Velázquez’ homer was his first since April 4.
“He’s a high percentage slider guy, so I went there with a plan that at-bat,” Velázquez said. “Look for the slider and try to hit the ball to the middle. I stood on my plan and a good thing happened.”
Maikel Garcia added to Kansas City’s lead with an RBI single off Mariners reliever Trent Thornton in the eighth.
Luke Raley gave the Mariners an early lead with a solo homer in the bottom of the fourth, one of just three hits for the Mariners against Wacha (3-4), who struck out seven.
Use the Force, Luke. #TridentsUp pic.twitter.com/T4tHO0Q7LR
— Seattle Mariners (@Mariners) May 15, 2024
Mitch Haniger hit a solo home run in the bottom of the ninth off closer James McArthur, who struck out Dylan Moore and got Luis Urías to line out for his 10th save.
The Mariners struck out 11 times in the loss, which snapped a seven-game winning streak against the Royals.
“Especially early on, they were swinging aggressively and maybe didn’t have time to get to the changeup,” Wacha said. “But also, you know, trying to disguise it at times with other pitches as well. Whenever I did throw it, felt like it had good action. Some positive results today.”
UP NEXT
Seattle right-hander Bryan Woo (0-0, 0.00 ERA) will make his second start of the season on Wednesday, while the Royals will start righty Alec Marsh (3-0, 2.53 ERA). Marsh will make his second start since being activated from the injured list on May 9 after taking a line drive off his right elbow in late April.
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