Royals fall despite strong performances from Michael Wacha, Salvador Perez

Jaylon Thompson, The Kansas City Star on Mar 28, 2026

Published in Baseball

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ATLANTA — The Kansas City Royals know they can count on veteran starter Michael Wacha to deliver a quality start on the mound.

Wacha is as consistent as they come. Last season, the Royals right-hander posted 13 quality starts and a 3.86 ERA in 31 games.

On Saturday, Wacha began the 2026 campaign on a similar note. He held the Atlanta Braves scoreless across six innings at Truist Park.

But things fell a part late for the Royals 6-2 to the Braves.

For Wacha, the numbers were good. Wacha registered 44 swings and 13 called strikes against an aggressive Braves’ lineup. He relied on his four-seam fastball and cutter to successfully navigate the Atlanta attack.

And when he needed it, Wacha utilized his off-speed pitches to get out of trouble in the later innings.

In the seventh inning, it looked like Royals catcher Salvador Perez nearly ensured Wacha would leave with his first win of the season.

However, Royals closer Carlos Estévez blew the save. The Braves overcame the two-run deficit and tied the game 2-2 in the ninth. Then, to finish things off with walk-off grand slam by DH Dominic Smith.

Estévez, who dealt with low velocity this spring, allowed six runs in the ninth.

Royals strike early

Perez snapped the club’s 15-inning scoreless streak to open the 2026 season. He crushed a first-pitch fastball from Braves starter Reynaldo Lopez. It was his 304th career home run as he sits just 14 shy of breaking George Brett’s franchise record (317 homers).

Perez is off to a hot start this season. He successfully won three Automatic Ball-Strike (ABS) challenges on Friday and lifted the team offensively. The Royals recorded five hits — including two by outfielder Jac Caglianone — on Saturday.

Wacha turned the game over to the bullpen in the seventh inning. He finished allowing three hits, one walk and striking out seven batters.

The Royals added a key insurance run in the eighth inning. Vinnie Pasquantino reached on an error as Maikel Garcia scored from third base.

Royals catch break in 4th inning

Wacha flirted with early trouble against the Braves. In the fourth inning, he allowed a leadoff single to Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr.

Next, he proceeded to induce Braves catcher Drake Baldwin to ground into a double play … or so it seemed.

Royals third baseman Maikel Garcia fielded the ground ball and stepped on the second-base bag after releasing the baseball. The Royals recorded both outs to complete the double play, but there was confusion from the umpires.

Second-base umpire Emil Jimenez missed the call. He asked for help, and it was determined that the double play would stand.

Braves manager Walt Weiss came out, though, for an explanation. The umpires talked it over and the play was not reviewed on the field.

Wacha dodged further trouble by striking out Braves first baseman Matt Olson. The Royals ended the inning as the game remained scoreless.

What’s Ahead

The Royals will start right-hander Seth Lugo in the series finale on Sunday. He will oppose Braves right-handed starter Grant Holmes on Sunday. First pitch is set for 1:35 p.m. ET.

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