Velázquez hits 2 HRs, Perez adds solo shot as Royals snap skid with 6-1 win over Twins
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – Nelson Velázquez showcased his power with two impressive homers, while Salvador Perez, leading the charge, launched his 10th homer of the season as the Kansas City Royals surged past the Minnesota Twins with a commanding 6-1 victory on Wednesday night.
The Royals found their rhythm in the third inning after an early lead by the Twins. Velázquez ignited the offensive onslaught with his first homer, contributing to Kansas City’s four-run surge against Twins starter Bailey Ober.
Perez stepped up with a clutch double to left, propelling the Royals into the lead, before Veláquez extended the gap with a two-run blast to center, setting the score at 4-1.
In the fifth inning, Perez continued his stellar performance with a solo homer, followed by Velázquez’s seventh homer of the season, extending the Royals’ lead to 6-1.
The formidable run support buoyed Royals’ right-hander Seth Lugo (9-1), who secured his fourth consecutive win by allowing just one run on six hits over six solid innings. With this victory, Lugo lowered his ERA to an impressive 1.72, setting a new record for the lowest ERA by a Royals pitcher through 12 starts in team history.
This encounter marked the second time this season that the Royals dominated Ober (5-3), who conceded three homers and eight runs in total against Kansas City in his first start of the season.
The win halted what could have been a season-high losing streak for Kansas City, who had lost three straight games on three separate occasions earlier in the season.
Twins’ third baseman Jose Miranda initially put Minnesota on the board with a sacrifice fly, continuing his trend of providing early-game sparks. However, despite Miranda’s efforts, the Twins couldn’t maintain their momentum against the relentless Royals.
Looking ahead, Kansas City will turn to RHP Brady Singer (4-2, 2.70 ERA) for the series finale, while Minnesota will counter with RHP Chris Paddack (4-2, 4.39 ERA), who aims to bounce back after two consecutive no-decisions.