Royals begin critical homestand with comeback win vs. Nationals

Jaylon Thompson, The Kansas City Star on Aug 11, 2025

Published in Baseball

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals are running out of time. If there will be postseason baseball at Kauffman Stadium for the second consecutive year, the Royals need to step on the gas pedal.

Every game holds the utmost importance.

“We’re getting down (to the wire),” Royals general manager J.J. Picollo said before Monday evening’s homestand-opening game against the Washington Nationals. “I think we have 44 games left going into tonight. So, you are running out of season.”

The Royals need wins and the 10-game homestand at hand is certainly favorable. KC has three games each against the Nationals and Chicago White Sox this week. Then they welcome the Texas Rangers to town for four games.

There is opportunity ahead. And on Monday, the Royals pulled out a 7-4 comeback victory over the Nationals at Kauffman Stadium.

Royals team captain Salvador Perez led the way in the sixth inning. He belted a two-run homer off Nationals starting pitcher Cade Cavalli and KC scored four runs in the frame. It was Perez’s 21st home run and the 294th of his illustrious career.

Four batters later, the Royals would take control of the game for good. Kyle Isbel, who came in hitting .333 since the All-Star break, continued his hot streak with a two-run homer of his own.

Isbel has now produced 21 hits, 12 runs and 10 RBIs since the break.

The Nationals couldn’t return serve in the late innings. The Royals’ bullpen shut the door as KC stayed close in the American League wild-card race.

The Royals (59-60) remain four games behind the New York Yankees (63-56) for the third and final wild-card spot.

Falter makes 2nd Royals start

Bailey Falter didn’t have the best Royals introduction last week against the Boston Red Sox. He surrendered seven earned runs in four innings at Fenway Park.

He hoped things would be different his next time out. And, sure enough, Falter fared better against the Nationals. In four innings, he allowed two earned runs and three walks and struck out five batters.

The Nationals stacked five left-handed hitters and a switch-hitter in their lineup. It was a shrewd strategy as lefties were hitting .272 against Falter. But it was actually switch-hitter Josh Bell — batting right-handed — who did the most damage.

In the first inning, Bell hit a two-run homer over the left-field wall. Falter attempted to sneak an 85-mph slider by him but Bell was ready for it. The home run gave the Nationals an early lead and forced the Royals to dig out of a sudden hole.

Falter recovered to throw three scoreless innings before the Royals turned to their bullpen. He ended his outing by stranding two baserunners in the fourth inning.

Falter earned a no-decision Monday. He threw 43 of his 76 pitches for strikes and registered 34 swings and 11 whiffs.

Witt shakes off back stiffness

It didn’t take long for Bobby Witt Jr. to make his mark on Monday.

After sitting out the Royals’ series finale against the Minnesota Twins, Witt was back in his customary spot in the lineup. And he showed no lingering signs of discomfort while on the field.

Witt singled in his first at-bat off Cavalli. Later, he made a stellar defensive play to rob Nationals infielder Luis Garcia of a base hit. Witt raced toward the outfield grass and made a jump throw. The baseball just beat Garcia to first base.

Both plays negated any concerns about the Royals superstar. Before Monday’s game, Witt completed some pre-game testing and felt better moving around during warmups.

He finished 2 for 5 with a pair of singles.

What’s next?

The Royals continue their three-game series against the Nationals. Right-handed starter Michael Wacha (6-9, 3.35 ERA) will oppose left-hander Mitchell Parker (7-12, 5.43 ERA) at Kauffman Stadium on Tuesday.