Bobby Witt Jr. returns, guides Royals to series-opening victory vs. Twins

Jaylon Thompson, The Kansas City Star on Aug 4, 2026

Published in Baseball

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals got an offensive jolt Tuesday night against the Minnesota Twins.

All-Star shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. ignited the fuse.

After missing 11 games, Witt was back in action at Kauffman Stadium. He took his customary No. 2 spot in the batting order and patrolled his keystone position.

Witt didn’t miss a beat. He returned from low-back tightness and looked refreshed as he propelled the Royals to an 8-2 home victory.

In the fifth inning, Witt hit a two-run double off Twins starter Joe Ryan. It was his third hit of the night as both Kyle Isbel and Carter Jensen scored.

It was Witt’s 23rd double this season — just five shy of the American League lead.

The Royals were fueled by Witt’s offensive night. Witt set the tone as the club jumped out to a 2-0 lead in the first inning. He began the game with a single and scored on Salvador Perez’s sacrifice fly.

Perez was celebrated all night and received a pregame ceremony for setting the Royals’ all-time home run mark. He was greeted by his family and Royals Hall of Famer George Brett minutes before first pitch.

And the Royals ensured it would be a joyous night. Michael Massey added an RBI double to give KC starter Randy Dobnak ample run support.

Dobnak allowed one run on three hits across five innings. He pitched to contact as he recorded nine ground balls and five flyouts.

In four starts, Dobnak has allowed two earned runs in 21 1/3 innings. He also continued his recent hot stretch after being named Royals pitcher of the month in July.

Tuesday’s win was his second in as many games.

The Royals (47-67) snapped a four-game losing streak. This season, the club has now won seven of 11 games against the Twins.

The Twins fell to 56-58. And the Royals limited their offense to five hits in the series-opening win.

Josh Bell and Alan Roden recorded the Twins' RBIs. Bell hit his 14th homer off Royals reliever Steven Cruz in the eighth inning.

The Royals countered with three additional runs in the bottom of the eighth. Starling Marte hit a pinch-hit two-run double to seal the victory.

What’s next?

Royals left-hander Noah Cameron (5-8, 4.59 ERA) will start Wednesday night against right-hander Dean Kremer (1-4, 6.50 ERA) with first pitch set for 6:40 p.m. Central.