Padres Beat Royals 3-2 on Jose Iglesias Walk-Off

Sunday, June 22nd, 2025

The San Diego Padres defeated the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Sunday, June 22, 2025, securing a two-games-to-one series victory at home. Jose Iglesias delivered the clutch hits for the Padres, first tying the game with a two-run, bases-loaded single in the seventh inning and then driving in the winning run with a grounder in the bottom of the ninth.

In the decisive ninth inning, Luis Arraez led off with a single off Royals pitcher Daniel Lynch IV (3-2) and advanced to third on a double by Xander Bogaerts. John Schreiber came on in relief for Kansas City, and Iglesias hit a soft grounder to shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. Witt Jr. fielded the ball and threw home, but Arraez slid in safely to score the winning run.

Robert Suarez (2-3) pitched the ninth inning for the Padres and earned the win.

For the Royals, Salvador Perez hit a two-run home run in the sixth inning to break a scoreless tie. Right fielder Jac Caglianone made a spectacular play in the eighth inning, leaping at the wall to rob Jackson Merrill of a potential game-tying two-run homer.

Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo, who previously pitched for the Padres in 2023, was excellent, retiring 18 consecutive batters after allowing a leadoff single to Fernando Tatis Jr.

The Padres finally broke through against Lugo and the Royals bullpen in the seventh. Jackson Merrill, returning from the injured list, led off with a double. After Lugo exited, Angel Zerpa entered and issued consecutive two-out walks to load the bases. Iglesias, pinch-hitting for Jake Cronenworth, came through with an opposite-field single to right field, scoring two runs and tying the game 2-2.

Perez's two-run homer in the sixth inning off Padres starter Randy Vásquez traveled an estimated 412 feet to left field.

Key Moment

In the top of the ninth inning with the game tied, the Royals' Drew Waters was thrown out at home plate attempting to score from first base on a double to center field by Freddy Fermin.

Key Stat

Jose Iglesias' game-winning RBI was his fifth career walk-off hit and his first since July 2, 2019.

Up Next

The Kansas City Royals are scheduled to start LHP Kris Bubic (6-4, 2.12 ERA) on Tuesday night as they host Tampa Bay for a three-game series opener. The San Diego Padres have not yet named a starter for their Monday night game against visiting Washington, which begins a three-game set.

In summary

In summary, the San Diego Padres defeated the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on June 22, 2025, securing a 2-1 series win. The Padres' victory was powered by Jose Iglesias, who drove in the winning run in the ninth inning after previously tying the game with a two-run single in the seventh. Salvador Perez hit a two-run homer for the Royals, and Royals pitcher Seth Lugo delivered a strong performance before the Padres rallied late. Robert Suarez earned the win for San Diego.

Related Links

• Kansas City Royals News & Updates
• Kansas City Royals Schedule & Scores
• San Diego Padres News & Updates
• San Diego Padres Schedule & Scores
• MLB News