SAN FRANCISCO -- Salvador Perez homered for the first time in more than a month to ignite a big day by the Royals’ offense in an 8-4 win over the Giants on Wednesday at Oracle Park.
For the Royals’ captain, it was an historic two-run blast that put him in fifth place all-time in homers (276) among catchers in the American League.
“That’s pretty good,” Perez said. “A lot of hard work and sacrifice. It’s not easy, so to be a part of all the big names on that list is amazing.”
The list of names ahead of him include Hall of Famers Carlton Fisk (376), Yogi Berra (358) and Ivan Rodriguez (281). Eight-time All-Star Lance Parrish (289) is also on the charts.
It’s conceivable, and reasonable, to expect Perez to move up a few slots on that list. During 13 seasons in the Major Leagues -- he did not play in 2019 due to a elbow injury -- Perez has averaged 21 home runs.
If he maintains that pace, the 35-year-old Venezuelan could top Rodriguez and Parrish in the next few seasons -- a milestone that lands right before the Royals’ all-time record (George Brett, 317).
Perez also singled and doubled for his second three-hit game of the season (April 24 vs. Colorado in Game 2 of a doubleheader). Maikel Garcia also had two hits and two RBIs to pace a 16-hit afternoon and lead the Royals to their third win in four games.
“He had good at-bats all day,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said. “The fact that there was a home run, that’s great. That’s icing on the cake. But overall his quality of at-bats, the way he works, he doesn’t get down on [the results]. There isn’t anyone else like him.”
The offensive breakout was needed on a day when the Royals had a bullpen game on the mound.
Daniel Lynch IV was the opener in his first start since June 7, 2024. The left-hander retired five batters and allowed one hit, but walked three -- including his final two hitters.
Five relievers combined to work the final 7 1/3 innings. Jonathan Bowlan followed Lynch IV and retired four batters to earn the first win of his career.
“Didn’t quite go as I expected, but it is what it is,” Bowlan said. “I’m beyond blessed. All the glory to God for being in this opportunity and this point in my life.”
Perez’s home run was his third this season and first since April 13, snapping one of the longest homer droughts of his career.
The two-run shot was also the 79th opposite-field home run by a right-handed hitter in Oracle Park history, and one of the pivotal moments Wednesday afternoon.
“I always say that if I prepare myself every day and I do everything I have to do that day, I don’t have anything to worry about,” Perez said. “After the last out, if I give everything that I have and I don’t miss anything and I play hard, I’m going to go to bed happy and sleep well.”
All nine of Kansas City’s starting positional players had at least one hit. Garcia, Bobby Witt Jr. and Drew Waters had two hits apiece, while Michael Massey notched three.
It’s the first time this season that the Royals have scored six or more runs in the first four innings, and only the sixth time in 51 games that Kansas City tallied eight runs. It was also the Royals’ first game with 13 or more hits through the first five innings since Aug. 17, 2024, at Cincinnati.
The majority of damage came against Giants ace Logan Webb, who was tagged for 10 hits and six runs (three earned) in four innings.
Kansas City’s first three batters singled, including Vinnie Pasquantino’s RBI knock, before Webb got three consecutive swinging strikeouts.
The Royals strung together three consecutive hits in the second for another run before Witt’s sacrifice fly made it 3-0. Perez’s blast capped a three-run fourth before Massey and Garcia each drove in a run in the fifth inning.
Kansas City (28-23) snapped its three-series losing streak with the win, and now heads to Minnesota (27-22) for a pivotal AL Central clash -- where Salvy’s 22 homers at Target Field are the most for a visiting player.