Otto López's Eighth-Inning Double Secures Marlins' Victory Over Royals

Otto López delivered a crucial two-run double in the eighth inning, propelling the Miami Marlins to a 3-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Saturday.

Xavier Edwards showcased his skills with a triple and a double, contributing to the Marlins' fourth consecutive win. Since June 13, Miami has posted an impressive 21-10 record. Kyle Stowers, who recently hit five home runs in two games, added a double and two walks to the mix.

For the Royals, Salvador Pérez provided their only run with a home run.

In the eighth, Graham Pauley initiated the action with a leadoff walk against Kansas City reliever Lucas Erceg (4-3). Edwards followed with a double, advancing Pauley to third. After Jesús Sánchez was intentionally walked, López capitalized, driving a ball over left-fielder Nick Loftin to bring both Pauley and Edwards home.

Anthony Bender sealed the game with a flawless ninth inning, marking his third save of the season.

Pérez had tied the game at 1-1 earlier in the eighth, launching a leadoff homer against Miami reliever Ronny Henriquez (6-1). His 14th home run of the season came off a fastball that soared over the center field wall.

Starting pitcher Cal Quantrill for Miami was dominant, allowing just two hits and striking out three over six scoreless innings. He retired the last ten batters he faced before being removed after 69 pitches, still seeking his first win since May 18.

The Marlins struck first against Royals starter Michael Wacha, with López's RBI groundout in the first inning. Edwards tripled and scored on López's grounder to third base.

Wacha managed to scatter three hits while striking out one across six innings of work.

Edwards faced an automatic strike due to a clock violation just before his pivotal double in the eighth.

Meanwhile, Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. ended his road hitting streak at 27 games, going hitless in four at-bats.

The series finale on Sunday will feature LHP Kris Bubic (7-6, 2.48) for the Royals against Marlins RHP Janson Junk (4-1, 2.68).