Ha-Seong Kim hit a three-run double that put the Padres in the lead, while Fernando Tatis Jr. and Kyle Higashioka hit home runs, helping the San Diego Padres win 7-3 against the Kansas City Royals on Saturday.
Randy Vásquez (1-3) started the game instead of Joe Musgrove, who was unable to play due to inflammation in his right elbow. Vásquez pitched for five innings, allowing three runs and four hits, with five strikeouts and one walk.
“I’m very happy and thankful to the organization for giving me this chance to contribute,” said Vásquez, who was brought in from Triple-A El Paso for this game. “Everything worked out well for us. I feel more confident with my pitches and grateful for the positive results.”
In the fourth inning, with the Padres trailing 3-2, Kim hit a double to left field off Royals starter Alec Marsh (4-3), clearing the bases and giving San Diego the lead.
“I haven’t had the best start lately, but I’ve been hitting the ball hard, although unfortunately many of them turned into outs,” said Kim, who also hit a triple. “I feel like I’m improving, and summer has just begun. I have good memories of the summer, so I hope I can keep up this momentum.”
Marsh allowed five earned runs and seven hits in five innings, with three walks and three strikeouts.
Tatis Jr. hit a solo home run in the first inning, giving the Padres an early lead. However, Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-run home run for the Royals in the bottom of the inning, putting them ahead.
Pasquantino had another opportunity to score for the Royals in the seventh inning with two outs and the bases loaded, but Jeremiah Estrada struck him out.
“We had chances,” commented Royals manager Matt Quatraro. “Whenever you have the bat in your hand, there’s an opportunity. We competed well at the plate, but we couldn’t extend our lead when we had it or come back when we were behind.”
Higashioka hit a home run in the ninth inning, his second of the season.
“It was a fantastic team effort,” said Padres manager Mike Shildt. “Many players contributed, and it usually starts with good pitching. Randy battled through five innings, and the bullpen did a great job.”
