The Los Angeles Dodgers received a strong outing from left-hander Justin Wrobleski. They benefited from timely home runs by Kiké Hernández and Will Smith to defeat the Kansas City Royals 5-1 on Sunday afternoon at Kauffman Stadium. Despite a rain delay and overcast conditions, the Dodgers secured a series win and continued their recent surge, taking six of their last seven games.
Entering the contest as road favorites with betting odds around -145 on the moneyline, Los Angeles capitalized early with Hernández’s two-run home run in the second inning off Royals starter Kris Bubic. That early advantage was all the Dodgers needed, thanks to a dominant pitching performance and a quiet day for Kansas City’s offense.
Wrobleski, who entered in the second inning after opener Lou Trivino pitched the first, went six innings while giving up just three hits and one run. He struck out four and issued no walks, improving to 4-2 on the season. The Dodgers’ bullpen kept the Royals in check the rest of the way, with Kirby Yates and Jack Dreyer each delivering a clean inning to close out the game.
Will Smith added to the Dodgers’ offensive effort with a solo home run in the sixth, and additional insurance came in the seventh via an RBI single by Miguel Rojas and a sacrifice fly from Max Muncy.
Kansas City’s lone run came in the first inning when Bobby Witt Jr. doubled to score Drew Waters, who had walked. That would be the only time the Royals managed to push a run across, as they struggled to convert with runners in scoring position, finishing just 1-for-5 in those opportunities after going 6-for-12 in Saturday’s game.
Bubic, now 6-6 on the year, lasted five innings and allowed three hits and two earned runs. He walked two and struck out five. Although the left-hander has been effective recently, he suffered his fourth loss in his last five starts. His season ERA remains solid at 2.25, reflecting several low-run outings that lacked sufficient offensive support.
The game also featured a tribute to the history of Negro League baseball. Both clubs honored the legacy of the Kansas City Monarchs and Jackie Robinson, who played for the Monarchs before joining the Dodgers. Los Angeles wore throwback Brooklyn caps, while Kansas City donned Monarchs-inspired interlocking “KC” hats to mark the occasion.
The Dodgers, who now sit firmly atop the National League West standings, will enjoy a day off Monday before beginning a six-game homestand. Right-hander Yoshinobu Yamamoto is scheduled to start Tuesday against the Chicago White Sox. Meanwhile, the Royals will begin a seven-game road trip with a four-game series in Seattle. Michael Wacha is expected to start the opener for Kansas City.
With this win, Los Angeles continues to assert itself as one of the National League’s most consistent clubs, while Kansas City looks to recover from a stretch in which they have dropped seven of their last eight games.