Royals defeat Guardians in come-from-behind win

Jaylon Thompson, The Kansas City Star on Sep 10, 2025

Published in Baseball

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CLEVELAND — When Kansas City Royals outfielder Jac Caglianone went on his rehab assignment with Triple-A Omaha, there was a clear goal in mind.

Caglianone, who struggled with his plate discipline, needed to improve the selection of pitches that he swung at. Simply put, the Royals wanted Caglianone to work counts and get in advantageous situations.

Since returning on Sept. 1, Caglianone has walked five times in seven games. And his biggest walk might have come Wednesday in a 4-3 win over the Cleveland Guardians.

In the seventh inning, Caglianone stepped to the plate against Guardians left-handed reliever Tim Herrin. It was a real challenge for Caglianone, who was hitting .176 against lefties with one walk this season.

Caglianone held his own. He eschewed three balls on the inside part of the plate. Then, he took two called strikes before reaching first on the sixth pitch.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro quickly went to his bench. Pinch runner Tyler Tolbert replaced Caglianone and Nick Loftin came to the plate as a pinch hitter.

Tolbert stole second base off Herrin. Then, Loftin followed with an RBI single to tie the game at 3-3 with the top of the lineup lurking.

The Guardians turned to reliever Hunter Gaddis to face Maikel Garcia. However, Garcia made him pay with a double off the left-field wall. The Royals surged forward as Lucas Erceg tossed two innings of relief and Carlos Estévez slammed the door with his 39th save.

The Royals needed the comeback victory. Kansas City is four games behind the Seattle Mariners in the American League wild-card race.

Pasquantino reaches career milestone

The Royals’ standout first baseman can add another item to his career resume. On Wednesday, Vinnie Pasquantino recorded his 100th RBI of the season.

He drove in Witt with a third-inning single. The run tied the game as the Royals kept pace with the Guardians at Progressive Field.

Pasquantino now has a great chance at reaching 30 homers and 100 RBIs this season. He is one home run away from the single-season plateau.

On many nights, Pasquantino fuels the Royals’ offense. He leads the team in both categories and has the fourth-most homers by a Royals left-handed hitter. His 29 homers trail only Mike Moustakas (38 in 2017), John Mayberry (34 in 1975) and George Brett (30 in 1985).

Now, Pasquantino has 100 RBIs for the first time in his career. He came just three RBIs short in 2024 before being sidelined by a fractured right thumb.

With 16 games remaining, Pasquantino is one of just eight players with 100 or more RBIs in Major League Baseball.

Royals toss bullpen game

The Royals looked to fill the void with veteran pitcher Michael Wacha sidelined on the seven-day concussion injured list.

Wacha was initially scheduled to start Wednesday. However, he was involved in an off-field accident that forced the Royals to shift their pitching plans.

Royals manager Matt Quatraro relied on his bullpen against the Guardians. Reliever Jonathan Bowlan — who became a full-time reliever this season — made the spot start before giving way to a convoy of pitchers.

Bowlan allowed two runs in two innings. He was followed by Angel Zerpa, Sam Long, Luinder Avila, Lucas Erceg and Carlos Estévez.

The bullpen kept the Royals in the game. Guardians slugger Kyle Manzardo hit a two-run homer and Bo Naylor recorded an RBI single — however, that was the lone damage.

Erceg tossed two innings as the Royals held a late lead. Then, Estévez ensured the Royals would walk away victorious.

The Royals were efficient as the Guardians left seven men on base. Cleveland finished 2 for 5 with runners in scoring position.

What’s next

The Royals conclude their four-game series against the Guardians on Thursday night at Progressive Field. Right-hander Stephen Kolek (5-5, 3.88 ERA) will start opposite fellow righty Gavin Williams (10-5, 3.17 ERA). First pitch is set for 7:15 p.m. ET.

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