
Royals Recap
Hosted by Big Dill
About This Episode
Generated sports podcast with host Big Dill based on prompt: Kansas City Royals daily updates. If they played a game yesterday give me the highlights.
Transcript
Welcome to "Royals Recap" on Big Dill Sports! I’m Dillon, your host, ready to dive into the Kansas City Royals' thrilling win that capped off a sweet series sweep against the Pittsburgh Pirates. So, grab your cap, settle in, and let’s relive the action from Kauffman Stadium.
Picture this: July 9, 2025, and the Royals secure a heart-stopping 4-3 victory over the Pirates. This win wasn’t just any win—it stretched their hot streak to four games, polishing their record to 46-48. It’s their first home series sweep since early May, and it was the perfect showcase of power and precision.
Kicking things off in style, Salvador Perez launched a rocket of a solo homer in the second inning. It traveled 444 feet, landing in the second deck like it owned the place, putting the Royals up 1-0. What a start!
But the fireworks didn’t stop there. In the fourth inning, rookie sensation Jac Caglianone stepped up and unleashed a colossal 466-foot, two-run blast. This wasn’t just any homer—it set a record as the longest by a Royals rookie since Statcast began tracking in 2015. That’s something to write home about!
Now, let’s talk pitching. Kris Bubic was on the mound and solid as ever. He pitched 5⅔ innings, allowing just three runs and striking out six, keeping Pittsburgh on their toes. His command and efficient 87-pitch outing set the stage for Kansas City’s success.
The bullpen was equally impressive. Lucas Erceg took the win with a perfect eighth inning, while veteran closer Carlos Estevez sealed the deal with his 25th save. Estevez danced out of a little trouble, but two strikeouts slammed the door shut on the Pirates.
Speaking of the Pirates, they had their moments. Ke’Bryan Hayes smacked a two-run single in the sixth to tie the game 3-3, and Tommy Pham looked good at the plate with a 3-for-4 performance. Still, it wasn’t enough to overcome the Royals’ relentless push.
So, who’s the 'big dill' of the day? You guessed it—Salvador Perez. Not only did he crush two homers, including the game-winner in the eighth, but he’s also extended his franchise record with his 19th multi-homer game. Simply put, Perez was unstoppable.
This win was more than just numbers; it was a statement. The Royals have won six of their last seven and nailed four straight at home. This momentum couldn’t come at a better time as they head toward the All-Star break.
Final thoughts before we wrap up: It’s not getting any easier. The Royals will host the National League-leading New York Mets next. Michael Wacha is set to take the mound, looking to keep this momentum alive.
So, Royals fans, keep that spirit high. I’m Dillon, and this has been "Royals Recap" on Big Dill Sports. Until next time, let's continue to savor the moment and cheer our team on. Stay safe, stay spirited, and as always, go Royals!
## Game Overview
On July 9, 2025, the Kansas City Royals secured a dramatic 4-3 victory over the Pittsburgh Pirates at Kauffman Stadium, completing a three-game series sweep and extending their winning streak to four games. The win improved Kansas City’s overall record to 46-48 and marked their first home series sweep since early May. Salvador Perez’s two homers powered the offense, while Kris Bubic delivered a solid outing on the mound. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/baseball/salvador-perezs-2-homers-help-royals-edge-pirates-2025-07-10/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [espn.com](https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/401696296?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
## Early Scoring
The Royals struck first in the bottom of the second inning when Salvador Perez crushed a 444-foot solo homer to center field off Pirates starter Bailey Falter, giving Kansas City an early 1-0 lead. Falter’s sinker failed to break for a strike, and Perez deposited the offering into the second deck, setting the tone for the contest. ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/401696296?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/baseball/salvador-perezs-2-homers-help-royals-edge-pirates-2025-07-10/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
## Rookie Power Display
In the fourth inning, rookie outfielder Jac Caglianone smashed a 466-foot, two-run shot to center against Falter, extending the Royals’ advantage to 3-1. That blast not only provided crucial insurance but also registered as the longest homer by a Royals rookie since Statcast tracking began in 2015, and ranks among the top four longest by any KC player at Kauffman Stadium. ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/401696296?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [new.cbssports.com](https://new.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/MLB_20250709_PIT%40KC/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
## Starting Pitcher Performance
Left-hander Kris Bubic delivered 5⅔ innings of quality work, surrendering three runs on six hits while striking out six and issuing no walks. Bubic’s efficient pitch count—he threw just 87 pitches—kept the Pirates off balance and allowed Kansas City’s bullpen ample runway. This start followed his recent All-Star Game selection, underscoring his growing consistency on the mound. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/baseball/salvador-perezs-2-homers-help-royals-edge-pirates-2025-07-10/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [new.cbssports.com](https://new.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/MLB_20250709_PIT%40KC/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
## Bullpen Contributions
Reliever Lucas Erceg was credited with the win after firing a flawless eighth inning, retiring all three batters he faced and striking out one. In the ninth, veteran closer Carlos Estevez navigated a one-out single but ultimately secured his 25th save of the season by striking out two of the final three batters, preserving the one-run margin. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/baseball/salvador-perezs-2-homers-help-royals-edge-pirates-2025-07-10/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [espn.com](https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/401696296?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
## Opponent Response
The Pirates mounted a rally in the top of the sixth when Ke’Bryan Hayes ripped a two-run single into shallow right-center off Bubic, knotting the score at 3-3. Tommy Pham also contributed for Pittsburgh, going 3-for-4 on the night, but their offense was otherwise stifled by the combination of Bubic, Erceg, and Estevez. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/baseball/salvador-perezs-2-homers-help-royals-edge-pirates-2025-07-10/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [espn.com](https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/401696296?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
## Homers & Streaks
Salvador Perez’s second homer came in the bottom of the eighth inning, a clutch solo shot off Isaac Mattson that landed just short of the fountain in right-center. That blow broke the 3-3 tie and marked Perez’s second multi-homer game of the season, extending his own franchise record to 19 such games. Kansas City has now homered nine times over the three-game series. ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/401696296?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [new.cbssports.com](https://new.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/MLB_20250709_PIT%40KC/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
## Historic Measures
Perez went 3-for-4 on the evening, showcasing his trademark power and discipline. His 444-foot second-inning homer and 424-foot eighth-inning winner underscore his elite slugging ability. Rookie Jac Caglianone’s long ball measured 466 feet, the longest by a Royals rookie in a decade, emphasizing Kansas City’s emerging youth movement. ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/401696296?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/baseball/salvador-perezs-2-homers-help-royals-edge-pirates-2025-07-10/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
## Team Momentum
With Wednesday’s win, the Royals have captured six of their last seven games and won four straight at home. The sweep of Pittsburgh was Kansas City’s first home series sweep since they took four from the Chicago White Sox in early May, signaling a timely surge as they approach the All-Star break. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/baseball/salvador-perezs-2-homers-help-royals-edge-pirates-2025-07-10/?utm_source=chatgpt.com), [new.cbssports.com](https://new.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/MLB_20250709_PIT%40KC/?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
## Up Next
Kansas City will host the National League-leading New York Mets for a three-game interleague series beginning Friday. On the mound for the Royals is expected to be Michael Wacha, who will look to rebound from a recent slump and keep the club’s momentum rolling into the break. ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/401696296?utm_source=chatgpt.com))
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