Witt, Perez Homer to Lead Royals Past Pirates 9-3

Monday, July 7th, 2025

The Kansas City Royals defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates 9-3 on July 7, 2025, powered by home runs from Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez, among their four total homers, and a strong start from rookie Noah Cameron.

Pitching Performance

Rookie left-hander Noah Cameron earned the win (3-4) for the Royals. He pitched a season-high seven innings, allowing only three hits, one walk, and two runs. He struck out seven batters. The only damage against him came on Tommy Pham's two-run homer in the third inning.

Steven Cruz pitched a scoreless eighth inning, and Jonathan Bowlan finished the game, allowing an RBI single to Alexander Canario in the ninth.

For the Pirates, Andrew Heaney (4-8) took the loss, allowing four runs in three innings on 76 pitches. Génesis Cabrera later allowed a solo home run in the eighth.

Royals Offense

The Royals hit four home runs in the game.

Vinnie Pasquantino opened the scoring with his 15th homer, a solo shot off Andrew Heaney in the first inning.

Salvador Perez hit his 11th homer, a solo shot to left field in the fifth inning, increasing the Royals' lead to five runs. He also drove in a run with his 24th double, hitting the top of the left field wall in the third to give Kansas City a 3-2 lead.

Bobby Witt Jr. hit his 13th home run, a two-run shot to right-center field off reliever Chase Shugart in the fourth inning, extending the lead to 6-2. Witt finished the night 2 for 3 with two runs scored and also added a sacrifice fly in the sixth. His performance extended his overall hitting streak to 11 games and his club-record road hitting streak to 25 games.

Nick Loftin added the Royals' fourth homer, his second of the season, a solo blast off Génesis Cabrera in the eighth inning.

Pirates Offense

Tommy Pham hit his third home run of the season for the Pirates, a two-run shot in the third inning. This homer snapped Pittsburgh's 30-inning scoreless streak and gave the Pirates a brief 2-1 lead.

Alexander Canario drove in a run with a single in the ninth inning.

Key Moment

After Bryan Reynolds' leadoff single in the third inning, Royals starter Noah Cameron did not surrender another hit for the remainder of his outing.

Key Stat

The Kansas City Royals hit four home runs in their first home game of July, exceeding their total home run output for the entire month of June.

Up Next

The series continues with Mitch Keller (3-10, 3.64 ERA) scheduled to start for the Pirates, facing Seth Lugo (6-5, 2.65 ERA) for the Royals.

In summary

In their game on July 7, 2025, the Kansas City Royals defeated the Pittsburgh Pirates by a score of 9-3. The Royals' offense was highlighted by four home runs, including blasts from key players Bobby Witt Jr. and Salvador Perez. Rookie pitcher Noah Cameron delivered a strong performance on the mound, going seven innings and earning the win. The victory was secured with contributions from the entire lineup and effective relief pitching.

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