Emerging
Jun 19, 20261
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Bobby Witt Jr. homers before leaving with knee issue as Royals rout Cardinals 14-6
Bobby Witt Jr. homered and drove in two runs before exiting with right knee soreness as the Kansas City Royals routed the St. Louis Cardinals 14-6. The Royals set a franchise record with five doubles in a six-run second inning, and Salvador Perez hit his 10th homer of the season, extending his Kauffman Stadium record to 137 home runs.
Quick Facts
Who
Bobby Witt Jr.
What
Royals defeated Cardinals 14-6
When
Thursday night (June 18, 2026)
Where
Kauffman Stadium, Kansas City, Missouri
- Royals defeated Cardinals 14-6
- Witt hit a home run and an RBI single before leaving with knee injury
- Royals set franchise record with five doubles in one inning
- Caglianone hit a two-run home run
- Perez hit his 10th home run, setting Kauffman Stadium career record
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. hit the first of three Kansas City home runs before departing with right knee soreness, and the Royals set a franchise record with five doubles in a six-run second inning on Thursday night, cruising to a 14-6 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals. Jac Caglianone and Salvador Perez also went deep for the Royals, who posted season highs in both runs and hits (17). Every starter in the top eight spots of the lineup drove in at least one run. Witt homered in the first inning and added an RBI single in the second, but was lifted for a pinch hitter in the fourth after making a diving play at shortstop in the top of the inning. The two-time All-Star was shaken up on the play and was examined on the field by a trainer. The Royals built a 7-2 lead in the second inning with five doubles — a club record for a single frame. Carter Jensen, Isaac Collins, Lane Thomas, and Starling Marte each chipped in an RBI double, and Perez started the rally with a double of his own. Caglianone crushed a two-run homer to left-center in the fourth, his ninth of the season, and Nick Loftin added a two-run double. Perez delivered his 10th home run of the year in the sixth, marking his 137th career homer at Kauffman Stadium — the most in the ballpark's history.
Topics
Why This Matters
This game highlights the Royals' offensive firepower and the potential impact of Witt's knee injury on their upcoming series and playoff push. Fantasy managers and bettors should monitor Witt's status closely, as his absence could reshuffle lineups and affect game outcomes.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 19, 2026
WireGame begins at Kauffman Stadium
Jun 19, 2026
WireBobby Witt Jr. hits a solo home run in the first inning
Jun 19, 2026
WireRoyals score six runs in the second inning, including five doubles, to take a 7-2 lead
Jun 19, 2026
WireWitt exits game after a diving play in the top of the fourth inning; he is examined by a trainer
Jun 19, 2026
WireJac Caglianone hits two-run home run in the fourth inning
Jun 19, 2026
WireSalvador Perez hits a solo home run in the sixth inning, his 137th at Kauffman Stadium
Jun 19, 2026
WireRoyals win 14-6