Astros Edge Royals 8-7 on Late Rally and Miscue

Late Rally Seals Victory

The Houston Astros completed a dramatic comeback against the Kansas City Royals, winning 8-7 at Kauffman Stadium on Saturday. After trailing by three runs in the sixth inning, Houston rallied to tie the game in the eighth, then took the lead in the ninth on a defensive miscue by the Royals.

Houston’s offense found its rhythm early. In the second inning, Massey singled to right field, driving in Caglianone for the first run. The Royals responded in the third, with Pasquantino’s single to center scoring Jensen. Witt Jr. later crossed the plate on a passed ball by Astros catcher Vázquez, giving Kansas City a 3-0 advantage.

Houston answered in the fourth. Walker homered to left field (394 feet), scoring Alvarez to cut the deficit to 3-2. Thomas immediately followed with a home run to left center (432 feet), tying the game at 3-3. The Astros took their first lead in the fifth when Matthews homered to center (434 feet), bringing Meyers home. Meyers extended the lead in the sixth with a home run to left center (419 feet), making it 5-4.

Royals Surge Back

Kansas City regained momentum in the sixth inning. Jensen doubled to center, and a chaotic play resulted in three runs. Perez, Thomas, and Massey all scored, giving the Royals a 7-5 lead. The Astros fought back in the eighth inning. Altuve homered to left (407 feet), scoring Paredes and tying the game at 7-7.

Ninth-Inning Finish

The game was decided in the ninth inning. Walker grounded into a fielder’s choice to shortstop. Loperfido scored on the play, while Alvarez was thrown out at second. This single run gave Houston the 8-7 lead, which held until the end of the game.

Pitching Performances

Houston’s bullpen secured the win. Bryan King earned the victory (1-1) with a scoreless eighth inning. Bryan Abreu recorded his fifth save with a scoreless ninth. Mike Burrows started for Houston, pitching five innings, allowing four earned runs on seven hits with five strikeouts. Enyel De Los Santos gave up two earned runs in 0.1 innings, while Alimber Santa pitched 1.2 scoreless innings.

For Kansas City, Noah Cameron started, allowing four earned runs on seven hits in 4.3 innings. John Schreiber pitched 1.7 innings, allowing one earned run. Daniel Lynch IV pitched one scoreless inning. Matt Strahm allowed two earned runs in 0.1 innings. Alex Lange took the loss (0-4), allowing one earned run in 1.2 innings.

The Astros improved to 33-39. The Royals fell to 28-43.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401815742