Royals Recap

## Game Summary
On Sunday, September 14, 2025, the Kansas City Royals snapped a six-game losing skid with a resounding 10–3 victory over the visiting Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Salvador Pérez led the offensive onslaught with a three-run home run and a two-run single, accounting for five of Kansas City’s runs. Rookie starter Noah Cameron turned in seven strong innings, and the bullpen preserved the lead despite a late scare. The win evened the Royals’ record at 75–75 and kept them within striking distance of an American League Wild Card berth, while the Phillies—despite the loss—had already clinched a postseason berth earlier in the day. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/baseball/salvador-perez-helps-royals-dispatch-phillies--flm-2025-09-14/?utm_source=openai))

## Inning-by-Inning Breakdown
– First Inning: Philadelphia struck first against Cameron when Kyle Schwarber and J.T. Realmuto hit solo home runs, putting the Phillies up 2–0. ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/401697143?utm_source=openai))
– Fifth Inning: KC tied the game at 2–2. Michael Massey drew a leadoff walk, and Jac Caglianone followed with a two-run homer—his sixth of the season—to knot the score. ([royalsreview.com](https://www.royalsreview.com/2025-royals-game-recaps/87480/royals-muscle-their-way-to-victory-against-phillies-10-3?utm_source=openai))
– Sixth Inning: The Royals broke the game open with four straight hits. Bobby Witt Jr. led off with his sixth triple of the year, Vinny Pasquantino drove him in with a double, and Salvador Pérez launched a three-run home run off Aaron Nola to make it 6–2. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/baseball/salvador-perez-helps-royals-dispatch-phillies--flm-2025-09-14/?utm_source=openai))
– Seventh Inning: Pérez delivered a two-run single, extending the lead to 8–2. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/baseball/salvador-perez-helps-royals-dispatch-phillies--flm-2025-09-14/?utm_source=openai))
– Ninth Inning: Bobby Witt Jr. capped the scoring with a solo homer—his 22nd—before Tyler Tolbert added an insurance run on a sacrifice fly to complete the 10–3 final. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/baseball/salvador-perez-helps-royals-dispatch-phillies--flm-2025-09-14/?utm_source=openai))

## Pitching Analysis
Starter Noah Cameron (8–7) cruised through seven innings, surrendering two early solo homers but settling down to allow just four hits and two earned runs while striking out seven. He improved his season ERA to 2.98, demonstrating poise by not allowing another run after the first frame. Carlos Estévez took the mound in the ninth for his 28th save opportunity but departed after recording two outs due to mild back tightness. Relievers John Schreiber and Luinder Avila combined to retire the final four batters and secure the victory. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/baseball/salvador-perez-helps-royals-dispatch-phillies--flm-2025-09-14/?utm_source=openai))

## Offensive Standouts
– Salvador Pérez: 1-for-4, HR, 2B, 5 RBI. Pérez’s three-run homer in the sixth was his third long ball in two games and marked his 301st career home run; he added a two-run single in the seventh. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/baseball/salvador-perez-helps-royals-dispatch-phillies--flm-2025-09-14/?utm_source=openai))
– Bobby Witt Jr.: 2-for-5, 3B, HR, R, RBI. Witt’s leadoff triple in the sixth ignited the big inning; he later homered in the ninth for his 22nd of the year. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/baseball/salvador-perez-helps-royals-dispatch-phillies--flm-2025-09-14/?utm_source=openai))
– Jac Caglianone: 1-for-4, 2-run HR. His fifth-inning blast tied the game, marking his sixth homer of 2025. ([royalsreview.com](https://www.royalsreview.com/2025-royals-game-recaps/87480/royals-muscle-their-way-to-victory-against-phillies-10-3?utm_source=openai))
– Vinny Pasquantino: 3-for-4, 2 2B, R. The first Royal to reach base in the pivotal sixth inning with a double, he scored twice and finished with three hits and two runs. ([reuters.com](https://www.reuters.com/sports/baseball/salvador-perez-helps-royals-dispatch-phillies--flm-2025-09-14/?utm_source=openai))

## Bullpen Notes & Defense
After Cameron exited, Carlos Estévez entered in the ninth but was pulled after recording two outs due to mild back tightness. John Schreiber (1 IP, 0 R) and Luinder Avila (1 IP, 0 R) closed out the game, combining for four strikeouts. Defensively, the Royals played error-free ball, turning two key double plays to quell any attempted Phillies rally. ([espn.com](https://www.espn.com/mlb/recap/_/gameId/401697143?utm_source=openai))

## Standings & Playoff Implications
The victory snapped Kansas City’s six-game losing streak and marked their second win in seven road games, moving their record to 75–75. Despite the .500 mark, the Royals remain 7 games behind the Seattle Mariners for the final AL Wild Card spot, with only 12 games left on the schedule. Sunday’s win prevented a series sweep and provided a much-needed jolt as Kansas City battles to stay alive in the postseason race. ([royalsreview.com](https://www.royalsreview.com/2025-royals-game-recaps/87480/royals-muscle-their-way-to-victory-against-phillies-10-3?utm_source=openai))

## Up Next
Kansas City will return home for a three-game series against the AL West–leading Seattle Mariners beginning Tuesday night. RHP Logan Gilbert (4–6, 3.54 ERA) is slated to start for Seattle, while the Royals have yet to announce their Tuesday starter. Kansas City will look to build on Sunday’s offensive explosion to keep pace in the tight Wild Card chase. ([cbssports.com](https://www.cbssports.com/mlb/gametracker/recap/MLB_20250914_KC%40PHI/?utm_source=openai))