KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nick Martinez worked seven strong innings and Tyler Stephenson homered to lead the Cincinnati Reds to a 7-4 win over the Kansas City Royals on Monday.

Martinez (3-5) allowed three singles through six shutout innings and finished seven innings allowing three runs on six hits with two strikeouts and no walks.

Stephenson hit a two-run homer to left in the fifth inning, his second of the season, boosting the Reds' lead to 6-0. Stephenson had three of Cincinnati’s 14 hits.

Michael Lorenzen (3-6) allowed six runs on a career-high 11 hits with three walks and two strikeouts in five innings as the Royals lost for the third time in four games.

Cincinnati jumped ahead 1-0 in the first on TJ Friedl’s leadoff double and Austin Hays’ sacrifice fly. The Reds lead the majors with 46 first-inning runs and have outscored opponents 46-21 in the first.

Gavin Lux and Stephenson drove in runs with two of the Reds five singles in the third inning before Will Benson added a sacrifice fly for a 4-0 lead.

Salvador Perez hit a first-pitch, two-run homer in the seventh, snapping Martinez’s homerless streak at 42 2/3 innings. Nick Loftin added a sacrifice fly, cutting Kansas City's deficit to 6-3.

Vinnie Pasquantino had three hits and extended his hitting streak to 10 games, including four straight with multiple hits. Maikel Garcia extended his hitting streak to 11 games.

After playing shortstop for all but three innings this season, Elly De La Cruz was the designated hitter, with Garrett Hampson making his first start at short.

Making his major league debut, John Rave bunted for a hit, putting runners at the corners with no outs in the seventh. Cleveland challenged the safe call at first, which was overturned and Martinez retired the next two batters, escaping the inning.

Martinez needed just 67 pitches to shut out the Royals for six innings.

Former Royals RHP Brady Singer (5-3, 4.88) takes the mound for Cincinnati, while Kansas City did not announce a starter for Tuesday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748341140429.jpeg" alt="Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Martinez throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Monday, May 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Cincinnati Reds starting pitcher Nick Martinez throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Monday, May 26, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Nick Martinez worked seven strong innings and Tyler Stephenson homered to lead the Cincinnati Reds to a 7-4 win over the Kansas City Royals on Monday.Martinez (3-5) allowed three singles through six shutout innings and finished seven innings allowing three runs on six hits with two strikeouts and no walks.Stephenson hit a two-run homer to left in the fifth inning, his second of the season, boosting the Reds' lead to 6-0. Stephenson had three of Cincinnati’s 14 hits.Michael Lorenzen (3-6) allowed six runs on a career-high 11 hits with three walks and two strikeouts in five innings as the Royals lost for the third time in four games.Cincinnati jumped ahead 1-0 in the first on TJ Friedl’s leadoff double and Austin Hays’ sacrifice fly. The Reds lead the majors with 46 first-inning runs and have outscored opponents 46-21 in the first.Gavin Lux and Stephenson drove in runs with two of the Reds five singles in the third inning before Will Benson added a sacrifice fly for a 4-0 lead.Salvador Perez hit a first-pitch, two-run homer in the seventh, snapping Martinez’s homerless streak at 42 2/3 innings. Nick Loftin added a sacrifice fly, cutting Kansas City's deficit to 6-3.Vinnie Pasquantino had three hits and extended his hitting streak to 10 games, including four straight with multiple hits. Maikel Garcia extended his hitting streak to 11 games.After playing shortstop for all but three innings this season, Elly De La Cruz was the designated hitter, with Garrett Hampson making his first start at short.<h2>Key moment</h2>Making his major league debut, John Rave bunted for a hit, putting runners at the corners with no outs in the seventh. Cleveland challenged the safe call at first, which was overturned and Martinez retired the next two batters, escaping the inning.<h2>Key stat</h2>Martinez needed just 67 pitches to shut out the Royals for six innings.<h2>Up next</h2>Former Royals RHP Brady Singer (5-3, 4.88) takes the mound for Cincinnati, while Kansas City did not announce a starter for Tuesday.

⚾ Martinez, Stephenson help Reds to  win over the Royals

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Maikel Garcia hit a two-out RBI single in the 10th inning, and the Kansas City Royals avoided a series sweep by topping the Minnesota Twins 2-1 on Sunday.

Garcia drove a 0-2 pitch from Jhoan Duran (3-1) into left field, scoring automatic runner Nick Loftin. Michael Massey struck out swinging and Freddy Femin bounced to third before Garcia delivered.

Carlos Estévez (2-0) retired each of his four batters — two by strikeouts — to get the win. Taylor Clarke worked the 10th for his first save this season.

Kris Bubic struck out nine in seven sparkling innings for Kansas City. He allowed two hits and walked two, continuing his breakout season.

Ryan Jeffers hit a leadoff double for Minnesota in the first, and Ty France followed with an RBI single.

The 27-year-old Bubic is 3-1 with a 1.22 ERA in his last seven starts. Bubic’s 1.45 ERA in 11 starts this season is second among qualified pitchers behind the Yankees’ Max Fried at 1.29.

Minnesota right-hander Bailey Ober permitted one run and seven hits in 6 2/3 innings.

Fermin drove in Drew Waters with a two-out double in the seventh.

The Twins lost for just the third time in their last 19 games.

Fermin's tying double in the seventh came on a 0-2 pitch from Ober.

The Twins entered Sunday with walk-off wins in three straight and four of their last five home games.

Royals right-hander Michael Lorenzen (3-5, 3.77 ERA) starts on Monday against visiting Cincinnati. Right-hander Nick Martinez (2-5, 3.43 ERA) takes the mound for the Reds.

Twins right-hander Chris Paddack (2-4, 3.98 ERA) pitches on Monday at Tampa Bay in the opener of a 10-game trip.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748207510147.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Maikel Garcia hit a two-out RBI single in the 10th inning, and the Kansas City Royals avoided a series sweep by topping the Minnesota Twins 2-1 on Sunday.Garcia drove a 0-2 pitch from Jhoan Duran (3-1) into left field, scoring automatic runner Nick Loftin. Michael Massey struck out swinging and Freddy Femin bounced to third before Garcia delivered.Carlos Estévez (2-0) retired each of his four batters — two by strikeouts — to get the win. Taylor Clarke worked the 10th for his first save this season.Kris Bubic struck out nine in seven sparkling innings for Kansas City. He allowed two hits and walked two, continuing his breakout season.Ryan Jeffers hit a leadoff double for Minnesota in the first, and Ty France followed with an RBI single.The 27-year-old Bubic is 3-1 with a 1.22 ERA in his last seven starts. Bubic’s 1.45 ERA in 11 starts this season is second among qualified pitchers behind the Yankees’ Max Fried at 1.29.Minnesota right-hander Bailey Ober permitted one run and seven hits in 6 2/3 innings.Fermin drove in Drew Waters with a two-out double in the seventh.The Twins lost for just the third time in their last 19 games.<h2>Key moment</h2>Fermin's tying double in the seventh came on a 0-2 pitch from Ober.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Twins entered Sunday with walk-off wins in three straight and four of their last five home games.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals right-hander Michael Lorenzen (3-5, 3.77 ERA) starts on Monday against visiting Cincinnati. Right-hander Nick Martinez (2-5, 3.43 ERA) takes the mound for the Reds.Twins right-hander Chris Paddack (2-4, 3.98 ERA) pitches on Monday at Tampa Bay in the opener of a 10-game trip.

⚾Garcia's RBI single in 10th helps Royals avoid sweep with victory over Twins

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Brooks Lee hit an RBI single with two outs in the ninth inning to give the Minnesota Twins their second straight walk off against the Kansas City Royals, this time overcoming a four-run deficit for a 5-4 win on Saturday.

Harrison Bader and Kody Clemens homered for Minnesota, which won for the 16th time in 18 games.

Pinch-hitter Carlos Correa walked against Daniel Lynch IV (3-1) to open the Minnesota ninth and advanced to second two batters later when pinch-hitter Ryan Jeffers also walked. With Steven Cruz pitching, Lee grounded a ball up the middle for his first career walk-off hit.

Ty France hit a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/twins-royals-score-56d857e4ea28dd4cec2724a89785a02f">two-run home run</a>&nbsp;in the ninth in the Twins 3-1 win on Friday.

Minnesota closer Jhoan Duran (3-0) pitched a scoreless ninth for the win.

Vinnie Pasquantino had three hits for Kansas City, which struck out a season-high 18 times. Bobby Witt Jr. tied a career high with four of those.

Pasquantino had an RBI double and Salvador Perez an RBI single in the fifth for a 4-0 Kansas City lead, but Bader homered and France had a two-out, two-run single in the inning to get the Twins within 4-3.

Clemens tied the game with a home run leading off the sixth against Royals’ starter Michael Wacha, who allowed seven hits and four earned runs in five-plus innings.

With the bases loaded and two outs in the top of the ninth, Kansas City’s Drew Waters bounced back to Duran to end the threat.

In his second start since being recalled from Triple-A last Sunday, Minnesota’s Zebby Matthews needed 81 pitches to get through four innings. The right-hander allowed two earned runs on five hits but struck out a career-high nine.

Royals LHP Kris Bubic (5-2, 1.47) will face Twins RHP Bailey Ober (4-1, 3.68) on Sunday.

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Brooks Lee hit an RBI single with two outs in the ninth inning to give the Minnesota Twins their second straight walk off against the Kansas City Royals, this time overcoming a four-run deficit for a 5-4 win on Saturday.Harrison Bader and Kody Clemens homered for Minnesota, which won for the 16th time in 18 games.Pinch-hitter Carlos Correa walked against Daniel Lynch IV (3-1) to open the Minnesota ninth and advanced to second two batters later when pinch-hitter Ryan Jeffers also walked. With Steven Cruz pitching, Lee grounded a ball up the middle for his first career walk-off hit.Ty France hit a&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/twins-royals-score-56d857e4ea28dd4cec2724a89785a02f">two-run home run</a>&nbsp;in the ninth in the Twins 3-1 win on Friday.Minnesota closer Jhoan Duran (3-0) pitched a scoreless ninth for the win.Vinnie Pasquantino had three hits for Kansas City, which struck out a season-high 18 times. Bobby Witt Jr. tied a career high with four of those.Pasquantino had an RBI double and Salvador Perez an RBI single in the fifth for a 4-0 Kansas City lead, but Bader homered and France had a two-out, two-run single in the inning to get the Twins within 4-3.Clemens tied the game with a home run leading off the sixth against Royals’ starter Michael Wacha, who allowed seven hits and four earned runs in five-plus innings.<h2>Key moment</h2>With the bases loaded and two outs in the top of the ninth, Kansas City’s Drew Waters bounced back to Duran to end the threat.<h2>Key stat</h2>In his second start since being recalled from Triple-A last Sunday, Minnesota’s Zebby Matthews needed 81 pitches to get through four innings. The right-hander allowed two earned runs on five hits but struck out a career-high nine.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals LHP Kris Bubic (5-2, 1.47) will face Twins RHP Bailey Ober (4-1, 3.68) on Sunday.

⚾Lee's single gives Twins second straight walk-off win over Royals

MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Ty France hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning and the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 3-1 on Friday night for their 15th win in 17 games.

With the score 1-1. Carlos Correa reached on an infield single off Lucas Erceg (1-1) and France hit a first-pitch slider feet into the bullpen in left-center for his fourth homer this season.

Correa, who passed concussion protocol and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/twins-correa-concussion-reinstated-b6931986befecf5f3960439da899d53c">was activated from the 7-day injured list</a>, hit a 429-foot homer in the second against Noah Cameron. Fans at the game received Carlos Correa Jedi bobbleheads.

Cole Sands (3-1) pitched a perfect ninth.

Vinnie Pasquantino had two hits for the Royals, while Cavan Biggio had a double and drove in a run.

Cameron, a 25-year-old left-hander making his third major league start, allowed one run and four hits in 6 2/3 innings while striking out eight and walking one. He has a 0.93 ERA in 19 2/3 innings.

Pablo López gave up one run and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings.

Biggio's first-inning double scored Jonathan India.

With the score 1-1 and two on in the third, López struck out Biggio and retired Drew Waters on a flyout.

Kansas City was 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position, all against López.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1748096470123.jpeg" alt="Minnesota Twins' Ty France (13) hits a walkoff two-run home run during ninth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Friday, May 23, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)" />
 <figcaption>Minnesota Twins' Ty France (13) hits a walkoff two-run home run during ninth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Friday, May 23, 2025, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)</figcaption>
 </figure>MINNEAPOLIS (AP) — Ty France hit a two-run homer in the ninth inning and the Minnesota Twins beat the Kansas City Royals 3-1 on Friday night for their 15th win in 17 games.With the score 1-1. Carlos Correa reached on an infield single off Lucas Erceg (1-1) and France hit a first-pitch slider feet into the bullpen in left-center for his fourth homer this season.Correa, who passed concussion protocol and&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/twins-correa-concussion-reinstated-b6931986befecf5f3960439da899d53c">was activated from the 7-day injured list</a>, hit a 429-foot homer in the second against Noah Cameron. Fans at the game received Carlos Correa Jedi bobbleheads.Cole Sands (3-1) pitched a perfect ninth.Vinnie Pasquantino had two hits for the Royals, while Cavan Biggio had a double and drove in a run.Cameron, a 25-year-old left-hander making his third major league start, allowed one run and four hits in 6 2/3 innings while striking out eight and walking one. He has a 0.93 ERA in 19 2/3 innings.Pablo López gave up one run and seven hits in 5 2/3 innings.Biggio's first-inning double scored Jonathan India.<h2>Key moment</h2>With the score 1-1 and two on in the third, López struck out Biggio and retired Drew Waters on a flyout.<h2>Key stat</h2>Kansas City was 1 for 10 with runners in scoring position, all against López.<h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ France's 2-run homer in 9th lifts Twins over Royals

MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — North Florida coach Matthew Driscoll resigned after 16 years with the Ospreys on Thursday and accepted a job as the associate head coach on Jerome Tang's staff at Kansas State.

The 60-year-old Driscoll and Tang have known each other for more than two decades, spending six seasons together on Scott Drew's staff at Baylor. Driscoll left to become head coach at North Florida in 2009, and led the Ospreys to three Atlantic Sun regular-season titles, the NCAA Tournament in 2015 and the NIT the following year.

North Florida finished 15-17 last season.

“Coach Driscoll is a proven program builder and an exceptional teacher of the game,” Tang said in a statement released by Kansas State. “His ability to develop players and implement high-level offensive systems is second to none.”

Driscoll also has been the head coach at the high school level and at La Roche, a Division III school in Pennsylvania, along with an assistant at Slippery Rock, Wyoming, Clemson and Valparaiso.

“I know some will wonder why I would leave being a head coach to become an assistant coach, but this was a no-brainer in every aspect for us,” Driscoll said. “We all know that work brings profit and if you have studied Coach Tang and his program, that’s what they do. My responsibility will be to continue to nurture, encourage and expound upon this foundation.”

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747945128776.jpeg" alt="FILE - North Florida head coach Matthew Driscoll watches from the bench during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Iowa, Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - North Florida head coach Matthew Driscoll watches from the bench during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Iowa, Wednesday, Nov. 29, 2023, in Iowa City, Iowa. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>MANHATTAN, Kan. (AP) — North Florida coach Matthew Driscoll resigned after 16 years with the Ospreys on Thursday and accepted a job as the associate head coach on Jerome Tang's staff at Kansas State.The 60-year-old Driscoll and Tang have known each other for more than two decades, spending six seasons together on Scott Drew's staff at Baylor. Driscoll left to become head coach at North Florida in 2009, and led the Ospreys to three Atlantic Sun regular-season titles, the NCAA Tournament in 2015 and the NIT the following year.North Florida finished 15-17 last season.“Coach Driscoll is a proven program builder and an exceptional teacher of the game,” Tang said in a statement released by Kansas State. “His ability to develop players and implement high-level offensive systems is second to none.”Driscoll also has been the head coach at the high school level and at La Roche, a Division III school in Pennsylvania, along with an assistant at Slippery Rock, Wyoming, Clemson and Valparaiso.“I know some will wonder why I would leave being a head coach to become an assistant coach, but this was a no-brainer in every aspect for us,” Driscoll said. “We all know that work brings profit and if you have studied Coach Tang and his program, that’s what they do. My responsibility will be to continue to nurture, encourage and expound upon this foundation.”

🏀 Tang adds Driscoll to K-State staff as associate head coach

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Salvador Perez had three hits including a two-run homer, Bobby Witt Jr. and Maikel Garcia each had two hits and two RBIs, and the Kansas City Royals got their offense going in a 8-4 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday.

The Royals had scored three runs or fewer in their previous seven games and were held to four runs or fewer in 42 of their first 50 games.

Kansas City led 3-1 in the top of the fourth when Perez hit an opposite field homer off Giants starter Logan Webb (5-4) with Witt aboard.

The Royals extended the lead to 8-2 in the fifth, when Drew Waters hit a leadoff double during a two-run inning.

Matt Chapman, Patrick Bailey and Heliot Ramos homered for San Francisco.

Ramos hit a two-run homer in the ninth off Lucas Erceg to cut the lead to 8-4.

Jonathan Bowlan (1-0) gave up one run on two hits in 1 1/3 innings in relief of opener Daniel Lynch IV, who walked three and gave up a hit in 1 2/3 innings.

Webb (5-4) gave up six runs (three earned) on 10 hits in four innings. The Giants’ ace struck out five and walked none.

Royals center fielder Kyle Isbel made a sliding catch on a low line drive off Wilmer Flores’ bat with the bases loaded and two outs in the fourth inning of a 6-2 game.

The Royals improved to a major league-best 17-1 when scoring four runs or more.

Kansas City LHP Noah Cameron (1-1, 0.71 ERA) will pitch Friday’s series opener against the Twins in Minnesota. The Giants have not yet announced a starter for Friday’s series opener against the Nationals in Washington.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747909915500.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Salvador Perez runs the bases after hitting a two-run home run during the fourth inning of a baseball game against the San Francisco Giants, Wednesday, May 21, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)</figcaption>
 </figure>SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Salvador Perez had three hits including a two-run homer, Bobby Witt Jr. and Maikel Garcia each had two hits and two RBIs, and the Kansas City Royals got their offense going in a 8-4 victory over the San Francisco Giants on Wednesday.The Royals had scored three runs or fewer in their previous seven games and were held to four runs or fewer in 42 of their first 50 games.Kansas City led 3-1 in the top of the fourth when Perez hit an opposite field homer off Giants starter Logan Webb (5-4) with Witt aboard.The Royals extended the lead to 8-2 in the fifth, when Drew Waters hit a leadoff double during a two-run inning.Matt Chapman, Patrick Bailey and Heliot Ramos homered for San Francisco.Ramos hit a two-run homer in the ninth off Lucas Erceg to cut the lead to 8-4.Jonathan Bowlan (1-0) gave up one run on two hits in 1 1/3 innings in relief of opener Daniel Lynch IV, who walked three and gave up a hit in 1 2/3 innings.Webb (5-4) gave up six runs (three earned) on 10 hits in four innings. The Giants’ ace struck out five and walked none.<h2>Key moment</h2>Royals center fielder Kyle Isbel made a sliding catch on a low line drive off Wilmer Flores’ bat with the bases loaded and two outs in the fourth inning of a 6-2 game.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Royals improved to a major league-best 17-1 when scoring four runs or more.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas City LHP Noah Cameron (1-1, 0.71 ERA) will pitch Friday’s series opener against the Twins in Minnesota. The Giants have not yet announced a starter for Friday’s series opener against the Nationals in Washington.

⚾️ Perez powers Royals with 3 hits, including a homer, in win over Giants

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Hayden Birdsong threw five sharp innings in his first start of the season and the San Francisco Giants beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Tuesday night.

Birdsong (2-0) was moved from the bullpen to the rotation in place of Jordan Hicks and provided just what manager Bob Melvin hoped he would deliver when he made the move.

Birdsong allowed one unearned run, five hits and no walks to give the Giants their fourth win in the last five games.

Ryan Walker pitched the ninth for his ninth save in 11 chances.

Willy Adames hit an RBI triple in the fourth inning against Michael Lorenzen (3-5) and scored on a single by Casey Schmitt to give San Francisco a 2-1 lead.

Lorenzen allowed three runs — two earned — and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings in his shortest start of the season for Kansas City.

Kyle Isbel hit a sacrifice fly in the third and Bobby Witt Jr. had a run-scoring infield single in the eighth for the Royals, who have been held to four runs or fewer in 42 of 50 games.

The Giants added an insurance run in the fifth after Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino threw wildly to second when he tried to get a force on a grounder by Wilmer Flores. Jung Hoo Lee followed with an RBI single to make it 3-1.

San Francisco improved to 25-9 this season against right-handed starters.

RHP Logan Webb (5-3, 2.42 ERA) pitches the series finale for the Giants. Webb is 3-0 with a 0.64 ERA in four starts at home. The Royals are undecided on their starter.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747822320850.jpeg" alt="San Francisco Giants' Jung Hoo Lee hits an RBI single during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)" />
 <figcaption>San Francisco Giants' Jung Hoo Lee hits an RBI single during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Kansas City Royals, Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in San Francisco. (AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez)</figcaption>
 </figure>SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Hayden Birdsong threw five sharp innings in his first start of the season and the San Francisco Giants beat the Kansas City Royals 3-2 on Tuesday night.Birdsong (2-0) was moved from the bullpen to the rotation in place of Jordan Hicks and provided just what manager Bob Melvin hoped he would deliver when he made the move.Birdsong allowed one unearned run, five hits and no walks to give the Giants their fourth win in the last five games.Ryan Walker pitched the ninth for his ninth save in 11 chances.Willy Adames hit an RBI triple in the fourth inning against Michael Lorenzen (3-5) and scored on a single by Casey Schmitt to give San Francisco a 2-1 lead.Lorenzen allowed three runs — two earned — and seven hits in 4 2/3 innings in his shortest start of the season for Kansas City.Kyle Isbel hit a sacrifice fly in the third and Bobby Witt Jr. had a run-scoring infield single in the eighth for the Royals, who have been held to four runs or fewer in 42 of 50 games.<h2>Key moment</h2>The Giants added an insurance run in the fifth after Royals first baseman Vinnie Pasquantino threw wildly to second when he tried to get a force on a grounder by Wilmer Flores. Jung Hoo Lee followed with an RBI single to make it 3-1.<h2>Key stat</h2>San Francisco improved to 25-9 this season against right-handed starters.<h2>Up next</h2>RHP Logan Webb (5-3, 2.42 ERA) pitches the series finale for the Giants. Webb is 3-0 with a 0.64 ERA in four starts at home. The Royals are undecided on their starter.

⚾️ Birdsong pitches the Giants past the Royals in his 1st start of the season

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Kris Bubic threw seven scoreless innings,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bubic-nohitter-royals-massey-error-flores-e0228b731773cfba601e75c8f21c75d2">losing a no-hit bid in the sixth on an official scoring change,</a>&nbsp;and Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-run homer in the eighth as the Kansas City Royals got past the San Francisco Giants 3-1 on Monday night.

Bubic, a left-hander who went to Mitty High School in San Jose and then to Stanford, carried his no-hit bid until there were two outs in the sixth. Wilmer Flores hit a grounder to the right side. Second baseman Michael Massey ranged to his left and slipped as the ball got past him. The play originally was ruled an error on Massey, then was changed to a single.

Casey Schmitt’s clean double down the left-field line with one out in the seventh was the only other hit Bubic (5-2) allowed. His ERA fell to 1.47 as he struck out five and walked three.

Giants left-hander Robbie Ray also worked seven shutout innings, lowering his ERA to 2.67. Ray gave up six hits, struck out seven and walked one.

Tyler Rogers (2-2) replaced Ray to begin the eighth in a scoreless game. Jonathan India’s one-out double preceded Pasquantino’s two-out drive over the right-field wall, the first baseman’s eighth home run of the season.

The Giants scored on Jung Hoo Lee’s RBI double in the bottom of the eighth but the Royals got an insurance run on Kyle Isbel’s RBI single off Jordan Hicks in the ninth.

Carlos Estévez pitched a scoreless inning for his 14th save.

After Schmitt’s double, the Giants had runners at second and third with one out in the seventh. Tyler Fitzgerald then hit a soft liner to shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who flipped the ball to third baseman Maikel Garcia to double off Willy Adames and end the inning.

The Giants had won all nine of Ray’s starts this season before Monday.

Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (3-4, 3.76 ERA) faces Giants RHP Hayden Birdsong (1-0, 2.31) on Tuesday night.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747737194488.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals pitcher Kris Bubic (50) throws against the San Francisco Giants during the sixth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Monday, May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals pitcher Kris Bubic (50) throws against the San Francisco Giants during the sixth inning of a baseball game in San Francisco, Monday, May 19, 2025. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)</figcaption>
 </figure>SAN FRANCISCO (AP) — Kris Bubic threw seven scoreless innings,&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/bubic-nohitter-royals-massey-error-flores-e0228b731773cfba601e75c8f21c75d2">losing a no-hit bid in the sixth on an official scoring change,</a>&nbsp;and Vinnie Pasquantino hit a two-run homer in the eighth as the Kansas City Royals got past the San Francisco Giants 3-1 on Monday night.Bubic, a left-hander who went to Mitty High School in San Jose and then to Stanford, carried his no-hit bid until there were two outs in the sixth. Wilmer Flores hit a grounder to the right side. Second baseman Michael Massey ranged to his left and slipped as the ball got past him. The play originally was ruled an error on Massey, then was changed to a single.Casey Schmitt’s clean double down the left-field line with one out in the seventh was the only other hit Bubic (5-2) allowed. His ERA fell to 1.47 as he struck out five and walked three.Giants left-hander Robbie Ray also worked seven shutout innings, lowering his ERA to 2.67. Ray gave up six hits, struck out seven and walked one.Tyler Rogers (2-2) replaced Ray to begin the eighth in a scoreless game. Jonathan India’s one-out double preceded Pasquantino’s two-out drive over the right-field wall, the first baseman’s eighth home run of the season.The Giants scored on Jung Hoo Lee’s RBI double in the bottom of the eighth but the Royals got an insurance run on Kyle Isbel’s RBI single off Jordan Hicks in the ninth.Carlos Estévez pitched a scoreless inning for his 14th save.<h2>Key moment</h2>After Schmitt’s double, the Giants had runners at second and third with one out in the seventh. Tyler Fitzgerald then hit a soft liner to shortstop Bobby Witt Jr., who flipped the ball to third baseman Maikel Garcia to double off Willy Adames and end the inning.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Giants had won all nine of Ray’s starts this season before Monday.<h2>Up next</h2>Royals RHP Michael Lorenzen (3-4, 3.76 ERA) faces Giants RHP Hayden Birdsong (1-0, 2.31) on Tuesday night.

⚾️ Bubic's 7 shutout innings, Pasquantino's homer lift the Royals over the Giants 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Drew Waters led off the seventh inning with a pinch-hit triple, Maikel Garcia drove him in with a single and the Kansas City Royals snapped a four-game skid and avoided a series sweep with a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday.

With the game tied at 1, Waters batted in place of Dairon Blanco and tripled to right field on the first pitch from reliever Chris Roycroft (1-3). Garcia hit Roycroft's second pitch to right to score Waters with the go-ahead run.

Lucas Erceg (1-0) got five outs for the win and Carlos Estévez pitched the ninth and worked around a double by Brendan Donovan for his 13th save in 15 opportunities.

Kansas City's Michael Wacha started against his former team and allowed one run and eight hits in five innings with six strikeouts and no walks. The Royals have scored two runs or less with Wacha on the mound in nine of his 10 starts.

Alec Burleson put the Cardinals up 1-0 in the fourth with his fourth homer of the season.

The Royals then tied it against Matthew Liberatore when Hunter Renfroe led off the bottom half of the fourth with a double and scored on a two-out double by Blanco in his first game of the season.

Liberatore allowed one run and six hits in six innings. He has gone at least six innings in seven of nine starts.

Donovan went 4 for 5 with his 15th double for St. Louis, which had won three straight and 12 of 13.

Salvador Perez had two hits for the Royals after entering in a 1-for-21 slump.

The first two pitches thrown by Roycroft proved to be the difference.

The Cardinals are 50-27 all time at Kaufmann Stadium and 31-30 at home in the series.

Cardinals: RHP Sonny Gray (4-1, 4.50) starts Monday to begin a six-game homestand with three against Detroit.

Royals: LHP Kris Bubic (4-2, 1.66) starts Monday in the first of three against San Francisco to begin a six-game trip.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747601968559.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Drew Waters led off the seventh inning with a pinch-hit triple, Maikel Garcia drove him in with a single and the Kansas City Royals snapped a four-game skid and avoided a series sweep with a 2-1 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on Sunday.With the game tied at 1, Waters batted in place of Dairon Blanco and tripled to right field on the first pitch from reliever Chris Roycroft (1-3). Garcia hit Roycroft's second pitch to right to score Waters with the go-ahead run.Lucas Erceg (1-0) got five outs for the win and Carlos Estévez pitched the ninth and worked around a double by Brendan Donovan for his 13th save in 15 opportunities.Kansas City's Michael Wacha started against his former team and allowed one run and eight hits in five innings with six strikeouts and no walks. The Royals have scored two runs or less with Wacha on the mound in nine of his 10 starts.Alec Burleson put the Cardinals up 1-0 in the fourth with his fourth homer of the season.The Royals then tied it against Matthew Liberatore when Hunter Renfroe led off the bottom half of the fourth with a double and scored on a two-out double by Blanco in his first game of the season.Liberatore allowed one run and six hits in six innings. He has gone at least six innings in seven of nine starts.Donovan went 4 for 5 with his 15th double for St. Louis, which had won three straight and 12 of 13.Salvador Perez had two hits for the Royals after entering in a 1-for-21 slump.<h2>Key moment</h2>The first two pitches thrown by Roycroft proved to be the difference.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Cardinals are 50-27 all time at Kaufmann Stadium and 31-30 at home in the series.<h2>Up next</h2>Cardinals: RHP Sonny Gray (4-1, 4.50) starts Monday to begin a six-game homestand with three against Detroit.Royals: LHP Kris Bubic (4-2, 1.66) starts Monday in the first of three against San Francisco to begin a six-game trip.

⚾️ Waters' triple in the 7th sparks Royals to victory over Cardinals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jordan Walker homered and Miles Mikolas pitched six sharp innings to lead the surging St. Louis Cardinals past the Kansas City Royals 1-0 on Saturday night.

Mikolas (3-2) allowed two hits with four strikeouts and two walks for the Cardinals, who have won three straight and 12 of 13. St. Louis is 7-1 on a nine-game trip to three cities, winning all three series.

Walker connected leading off sixth. Iván Herrera’s two-out single in the fifth was the only other hit for the Cardinals.

Kyle Leahy permitted two hits in two innings of relief and Ryan Helsley finished the four-hitter for his ninth save.

Hard-luck loser Noah Cameron (1-1) went 6 1/3 innings in his second major league start. The 25-year-old left-hander from St. Joseph, Missouri, became the first pitcher to begin his career with consecutive starts of 6 1/3 or more innings without giving up more than two hits in either one.

Kansas City stranded five runners and has been held to four or fewer runs in seven of the last eight games. The Royals have scored four or more 38 times this season, second-most in the majors.

Walker hit a 422-foot shot to left field for his third homer of the season. He began the night batting .186.

St. Louis has its first seven-win road trip since 2021. ... The Royals have lost four in a row, and six of seven since a seven-game winning streak from May 3-9.

Cardinals LHP Matthew Liberatore (3-3, 3.11 ERA) faces RHP Michael Wacha (3-4, 2.96) in the series finale Sunday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747534891207.png" alt="Photo St. Louis Cardinals" />
 <figcaption>Photo St. Louis Cardinals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Jordan Walker homered and Miles Mikolas pitched six sharp innings to lead the surging St. Louis Cardinals past the Kansas City Royals 1-0 on Saturday night.Mikolas (3-2) allowed two hits with four strikeouts and two walks for the Cardinals, who have won three straight and 12 of 13. St. Louis is 7-1 on a nine-game trip to three cities, winning all three series.Walker connected leading off sixth. Iván Herrera’s two-out single in the fifth was the only other hit for the Cardinals.Kyle Leahy permitted two hits in two innings of relief and Ryan Helsley finished the four-hitter for his ninth save.Hard-luck loser Noah Cameron (1-1) went 6 1/3 innings in his second major league start. The 25-year-old left-hander from St. Joseph, Missouri, became the first pitcher to begin his career with consecutive starts of 6 1/3 or more innings without giving up more than two hits in either one.Kansas City stranded five runners and has been held to four or fewer runs in seven of the last eight games. The Royals have scored four or more 38 times this season, second-most in the majors.<h2>Key moment</h2>Walker hit a 422-foot shot to left field for his third homer of the season. He began the night batting .186.<h2>Key stats</h2>St. Louis has its first seven-win road trip since 2021. ... The Royals have lost four in a row, and six of seven since a seven-game winning streak from May 3-9.<h2>Up next</h2>Cardinals LHP Matthew Liberatore (3-3, 3.11 ERA) faces RHP Michael Wacha (3-4, 2.96) in the series finale Sunday.

⚾️ Walker homers and Mikolas pitches streaking Cardinals past the Royals

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Iván Herrera had three hits and four RBIs, Andre Pallante allowed two runs in seven innings, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Kansas City Royals 10-3 on Friday night.

Willson Contreras doubled twice and drove in a run for the Cardinals, who have won 11 of 12. The Royals have dropped five of six since a seven-game winning streak.

Contreras doubled and scored on a two-out wild pitch by Cole Ragans (2-3) in the second. Brendan Donovan doubled leading off the fourth and scored on a one-out double by Contreras for a two-run lead. Herrera singled in Contreras to make it 3-0.

Vinnie Pasquantino homered in the fourth against Pallante (4-2). Kyle Isbel tripled in the fifth and scored on a balk.

Pallante threw 100 pitches. He gave up seven hits, struck out four and walked none.

Ragans surrendered four runs on five hits in five innings with seven strikeouts. Four Kansas City relievers combined to allow six runs on eight hits.

Herrera doubled and scored on an infield single by Jordan Walker in the eighth.

Ragans departed after a leadoff single by Masyn Winn in the sixth, and Brendan Donovan greeted John Schreiber with a single. Contreras reached on an error by second baseman Jonathan India. Herrera cleared the bases with a double before scoring on a single by Pedro Pagés.

The Cardinals lead the all-time series 80-56, including a 49-26 record at Kauffman Stadium.

RHP Miles Mikolas (2-2, 4.35 ERA) starts Saturday for the Cardinals. The Royals hadn't named a starter after RHP Seth Lugo (3-4, 3.02) had his start pushed back with right middle finger inflammation.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747449937246.jpeg" alt="Photo St. Louis Cardinals" />
 <figcaption>Photo St. Louis Cardinals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Iván Herrera had three hits and four RBIs, Andre Pallante allowed two runs in seven innings, and the St. Louis Cardinals beat the Kansas City Royals 10-3 on Friday night.Willson Contreras doubled twice and drove in a run for the Cardinals, who have won 11 of 12. The Royals have dropped five of six since a seven-game winning streak.Contreras doubled and scored on a two-out wild pitch by Cole Ragans (2-3) in the second. Brendan Donovan doubled leading off the fourth and scored on a one-out double by Contreras for a two-run lead. Herrera singled in Contreras to make it 3-0.Vinnie Pasquantino homered in the fourth against Pallante (4-2). Kyle Isbel tripled in the fifth and scored on a balk.Pallante threw 100 pitches. He gave up seven hits, struck out four and walked none.Ragans surrendered four runs on five hits in five innings with seven strikeouts. Four Kansas City relievers combined to allow six runs on eight hits.Herrera doubled and scored on an infield single by Jordan Walker in the eighth.<h2>Key moment</h2>Ragans departed after a leadoff single by Masyn Winn in the sixth, and Brendan Donovan greeted John Schreiber with a single. Contreras reached on an error by second baseman Jonathan India. Herrera cleared the bases with a double before scoring on a single by Pedro Pagés.<h2>Key stat</h2>The Cardinals lead the all-time series 80-56, including a 49-26 record at Kauffman Stadium.<h2>Up next</h2>RHP Miles Mikolas (2-2, 4.35 ERA) starts Saturday for the Cardinals. The Royals hadn't named a starter after RHP Seth Lugo (3-4, 3.02) had his start pushed back with right middle finger inflammation.___

⚾️ Herrera drives in 4 as Cardinals beat the Royals

** Home games at
Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City are in bold. 


Week 1 – Friday,
Sept. 5 at LA Chargers (in Brazil) - 7:00 p.m. (Streaming on YouTube)

Week 2 –
Sunday, Sept. 14 vs Philadelphia Eagles – 3:25 p.m. - FOX

Week 3 – Sunday,
Sept. 21 at New York Giants – 7:20 p.m. - NBC

Week 4 –
Sunday, Sept. 28 vs Baltimore Ravens – 3:25 p.m. - CBS

Week 5 – Monday,
Oct. 6 @ Jacksonville Jaguars – 7:15 p.m. - ESPN/ABC

Week 6 –
Sunday, Oct. 12 vs Detroit Lions – 7:20 - NBC

Week 7 –
Sunday, Oct. 19 vs Las Vegas Raiders – 12:00 p.m. - CBS

Week 8 –
Monday, Oct. 27 vs Washington Commanders – 7:15 p.m. - ESPN/ABC

Week 9 – Sunday,
Nov. 2 at Buffalo Bills – 3:25 - CBS

Week 11 – Sunday,
Nov. 16 at Denver Broncos – at 3:25 p.m. - CBS

Week 12 –
Sunday, Nov. 23 vs Indianapolis Colts – 12:00 p.m. - CBS

Week 13 –
Thursday, Nov. 27 (Thanksgiving Day) – at Dallas Cowboys – 3:30
p.m. - CBS

Week 14 –
Sunday, Dec. 7 vs Houston Texas – 7:20 p.m. - NBC

Week 15 –
Sunday, Dec. 14 vs LA Chargers – 12:00 p.m. - CBS

Week 16 – Sunday,
Dec. 21 at Tennessee Titans – 12:00 p.m. - CBS

Week 17 –
Thursday, Dec. 25 (Christmas Day) – vs Denver Broncos – 7:15 p.m. (Streaming on Amazon Prime Video)

Week 18 – Saturday
or Sunday, Jan. 3 or 4, at Las Vegas Raiders. TBD

** Home games at
Arrowhead Stadium in Kansas City are in bold. 
Week 1 – Friday,
Sept. 5 at LA Chargers (in Brazil) - 7:00 p.m. (Streaming on YouTube)Week 2 –
Sunday, Sept. 14 vs Philadelphia Eagles – 3:25 p.m. - FOXWeek 3 – Sunday,
Sept. 21 at New York Giants – 7:20 p.m. - NBCWeek 4 –
Sunday, Sept. 28 vs Baltimore Ravens – 3:25 p.m. - CBSWeek 5 – Monday,
Oct. 6 @ Jacksonville Jaguars – 7:15 p.m. - ESPN/ABCWeek 6 –
Sunday, Oct. 12 vs Detroit Lions – 7:20 - NBCWeek 7 –
Sunday, Oct. 19 vs Las Vegas Raiders – 12:00 p.m. - CBSWeek 8 –
Monday, Oct. 27 vs Washington Commanders – 7:15 p.m. - ESPN/ABCWeek 9 – Sunday,
Nov. 2 at Buffalo Bills – 3:25 - CBSWeek 10 – BYE WEEKWeek 11 – Sunday,
Nov. 16 at Denver Broncos – at 3:25 p.m. - CBSWeek 12 –
Sunday, Nov. 23 vs Indianapolis Colts – 12:00 p.m. - CBSWeek 13 –
Thursday, Nov. 27 (Thanksgiving Day) – at Dallas Cowboys – 3:30
p.m. - CBSWeek 14 –
Sunday, Dec. 7 vs Houston Texas – 7:20 p.m. - NBCWeek 15 –
Sunday, Dec. 14 vs LA Chargers – 12:00 p.m. - CBSWeek 16 – Sunday,
Dec. 21 at Tennessee Titans – 12:00 p.m. - CBSWeek 17 –
Thursday, Dec. 25 (Christmas Day) – vs Denver Broncos – 7:15 p.m. (Streaming on Amazon Prime Video)Week 18 – Saturday
or Sunday, Jan. 3 or 4, at Las Vegas Raiders. TBD

Kansas City Chiefs release full 2025 Schedule

HOUSTON (AP) — Jeremy Peña had a season-high four hits, capped by a tiebreaking RBI single in the eighth inning, to give the Houston Astros a 4-3 win over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night.

The Astros trailed by 1 when Zach Dezenzo singled with one out in the eighth and was lifted for pinch-runner Chas McCormick. Mauricio Dubón’s second double of the game dropped into the left field corner and scored McCormick, tying the game and chasing Michael Lorenzen (3-4).

Carlos Estévez took over and Peña lined his third pitch into left field, sending Dubón home and putting the Astros on top.

Josh Hader walked one in a scoreless ninth for his 10th save after Bryan King (1-0) threw a scoreless eighth for the win.

Isaac Paredes homered for a second straight game for the Astros after his shot in the ninth inning Tuesday night lifted them to the 2-1 win.

Maikel Garcia homered and doubled as the Royals built a 3-1 lead.

Dubón’s first double came with one out in the sixth and he scored on a double by Peña to get the Astros within 3-2.

Houston’s Colton Gordon allowed seven hits and three runs in 4 1/3 innings in his major league debut.

Lorenzen yielded seven hits and four runs in 7 1/3 innings for the loss.

Garcia put the Royals up 1-0 with his towering home run to start the second inning. There were two outs and two on in the inning when Jonathan India then smacked an RBI double off the left field wall to make it 2-0.

The Royals had runners at first and second with two outs in the third when Jake Meyers robbed Hunter Renfroe of extra bases with a nifty catch on the track in center.

Paredes homered in the fourth before Garcia’s RBI double that bounced off second base and into the outfield pushed the lead to 3-1.

Dubón’s RBI double in the eighth that tied it and chased Lorenzen.

Peña has been great in 16 games since moving to the leadoff spot and has five doubles, three homers, 15 RBIs and 28 hits.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747311038321.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals' Maikel Garcia (11) doubles during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Houston, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Vinnie Pasquantino scored. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals' Maikel Garcia (11) doubles during the fifth inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Houston, Wednesday, May 14, 2025. Vinnie Pasquantino scored. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)</figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSTON (AP) — Jeremy Peña had a season-high four hits, capped by a tiebreaking RBI single in the eighth inning, to give the Houston Astros a 4-3 win over the Kansas City Royals on Wednesday night.The Astros trailed by 1 when Zach Dezenzo singled with one out in the eighth and was lifted for pinch-runner Chas McCormick. Mauricio Dubón’s second double of the game dropped into the left field corner and scored McCormick, tying the game and chasing Michael Lorenzen (3-4).Carlos Estévez took over and Peña lined his third pitch into left field, sending Dubón home and putting the Astros on top.Josh Hader walked one in a scoreless ninth for his 10th save after Bryan King (1-0) threw a scoreless eighth for the win.Isaac Paredes homered for a second straight game for the Astros after his shot in the ninth inning Tuesday night lifted them to the 2-1 win.Maikel Garcia homered and doubled as the Royals built a 3-1 lead.Dubón’s first double came with one out in the sixth and he scored on a double by Peña to get the Astros within 3-2.Houston’s Colton Gordon allowed seven hits and three runs in 4 1/3 innings in his major league debut.Lorenzen yielded seven hits and four runs in 7 1/3 innings for the loss.Garcia put the Royals up 1-0 with his towering home run to start the second inning. There were two outs and two on in the inning when Jonathan India then smacked an RBI double off the left field wall to make it 2-0.The Royals had runners at first and second with two outs in the third when Jake Meyers robbed Hunter Renfroe of extra bases with a nifty catch on the track in center.Paredes homered in the fourth before Garcia’s RBI double that bounced off second base and into the outfield pushed the lead to 3-1.<h2>Key moment</h2>Dubón’s RBI double in the eighth that tied it and chased Lorenzen.<h2>Key stat</h2>Peña has been great in 16 games since moving to the leadoff spot and has five doubles, three homers, 15 RBIs and 28 hits.<h2>Up next</h2>

⚾️ Jeremy Peña's RBI single in the 8th lifts the Astros over Royals

HOUSTON (AP) — Isaac Paredes hit a tiebreaking solo homer in the ninth inning to lift the Houston Astros to a 2-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.

The game was tied at 1 after a home run by Jeremy Peña in the sixth inning when Paredes led off the bottom of the ninth against John Schreiber (1-2). He sent his second pitch to left-center field for his fifth homer this season, giving Houston the win after Kansas City took the series opener Monday.

Both teams got strong outings from their starters. Houston’s Framber Valdez allowed six hits and a run with seven strikeouts in eight innings. Kris Bubic yielded six hits and a run and tied a career high with nine strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings.

Bryan Abreu (1-1) struck out one in a scoreless ninth for the win.

Hunter Renfroe doubled off the wall in left-center field with one out in the eighth. Valdez plunked Jonathan India on the foot with two outs, but he induced a groundout by Bobby Witt Jr. to end his night.

Maikel Garcia walked to open the fifth before a single by Vinnie Pasquantino sent him to third. The Royals took a 1-0 lead when Freddy Fermin singled on a ground ball to right field that scored Garcia.

Peña’s home run to left field tied it with no outs in the sixth. Jose Altuve followed with a double on a grounder down the third base line, but Bubic retired the next three batters, with two strikeouts, to leave him stranded.

Jake Meyers singled to start Houston’s seventh, but was out at second when Cam Smith grounded into a force out. Bubic was replaced by Lucas Erceg and he picked off Smith at first before striking out Brendan Rodgers to end the inning.

Peña has three homers, four doubles, 24 hits and 13 RBIs in 15 games since moving to the leadoff spot.

Kansas City RHP Michael Lorenzen (3-3, 3.57 ERA) opposes LHP Colton Gordon in the series finale Wednesday night. Gordon will be recalled from Triple-A Sugar Land to make his major league debut.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747217395170.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Kris Bubic throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Houston, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Kris Bubic throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Houston Astros in Houston, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Ashley Landis)</figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSTON (AP) — Isaac Paredes hit a tiebreaking solo homer in the ninth inning to lift the Houston Astros to a 2-1 victory over the Kansas City Royals on Tuesday night.The game was tied at 1 after a home run by Jeremy Peña in the sixth inning when Paredes led off the bottom of the ninth against John Schreiber (1-2). He sent his second pitch to left-center field for his fifth homer this season, giving Houston the win after Kansas City took the series opener Monday.Both teams got strong outings from their starters. Houston’s Framber Valdez allowed six hits and a run with seven strikeouts in eight innings. Kris Bubic yielded six hits and a run and tied a career high with nine strikeouts in 6 1/3 innings.Bryan Abreu (1-1) struck out one in a scoreless ninth for the win.Hunter Renfroe doubled off the wall in left-center field with one out in the eighth. Valdez plunked Jonathan India on the foot with two outs, but he induced a groundout by Bobby Witt Jr. to end his night.Maikel Garcia walked to open the fifth before a single by Vinnie Pasquantino sent him to third. The Royals took a 1-0 lead when Freddy Fermin singled on a ground ball to right field that scored Garcia.Peña’s home run to left field tied it with no outs in the sixth. Jose Altuve followed with a double on a grounder down the third base line, but Bubic retired the next three batters, with two strikeouts, to leave him stranded.Jake Meyers singled to start Houston’s seventh, but was out at second when Cam Smith grounded into a force out. Bubic was replaced by Lucas Erceg and he picked off Smith at first before striking out Brendan Rodgers to end the inning.<h2>Key moment</h2>The home run by Paredes.<h2>Key stat</h2>Peña has three homers, four doubles, 24 hits and 13 RBIs in 15 games since moving to the leadoff spot.<h2>Up next</h2>Kansas City RHP Michael Lorenzen (3-3, 3.57 ERA) opposes LHP Colton Gordon in the series finale Wednesday night. Gordon will be recalled from Triple-A Sugar Land to make his major league debut.

⚾ Paredes homers in bottom of the 9th to lift Astros over Royals

NEW YORK (AP) — Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson were reinstated by baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred on Tuesday, making both eligible for the sport’s Hall of Fame after their careers were tarnished by sports gambling scandals.

Rose’s permanent ban was lifted eight months&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-rose-obituary-reds-e0f3dfa057fc46629447e04b6540e4c8">after his death</a>&nbsp;and came a day before the Cincinnati Reds will honor baseball’s career hits leader with Pete Rose Night.

Manfred announced Tuesday that he was changing the league's policy on permanent ineligibility, saying bans would expire at death. Several others will also have their status changed by the ruling, including all members of the 1919 Chicago Black Sox, former Philadelphia Phillies president Williams D. Cox and former New York Giants outfielder Benny Kauff.

Under the Hall of Fame’s current rules, the earliest Rose or Jackson could be inducted would be in 2028.

Rose agreed to a permanent ban on Aug. 23, 1989, following an investigation commissioned by Major League Baseball concluded Rose repeatedly bet on the Reds as a player and manager of the team from 1985-87, a violation of a long-standing MLB rule.

Rose first applied for reinstatement in September 1997, but Commissioner Bud Selig never ruled on the request.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-b8d15e433f68468eab7030a08ed47c09">Manfred in 2015 rejected a petition for reinstatement</a>, saying “Rose has not presented credible evidence of a reconfigured life.”

<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-rose-obituary-reds-e0f3dfa057fc46629447e04b6540e4c8">Rose died Sept. 30 at age 83</a>, and a new petition was filed Jan. 8 by Jeffrey Lenkov, a lawyer who represented Rose. Lenkov and Rose’s daughter Fawn had met with Manfred on Dec. 17.

Rose’s supporters have included U.S. President Donald Trump, who has said he intends to pardon Rose posthumously.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-rose-reinstatement-00a2532eeb4f1aa3dd81530260de44b8">Manfred discussed Rose with Trump</a>&nbsp;when the pair met in April, but he hasn’t disclosed specifics of their conversation.

In a letter to Lenkov, Manfred wrote, “In my view, a determination must be made regarding how the phrase ‘permanently ineligible’ should be interpreted in light of the purposes and policies behind Rule 21, which are to: (1) protect the game from individuals who pose a risk to the integrity of the sport by prohibiting the participation of such individuals; and (2) create a deterrent effect that reduces the likelihood of future violations by others.

"In my view, once an individual has passed away, the purposes of Rule 21 have been served. Obviously, a person no longer with us cannot represent a threat to the integrity of the game. Moreover, it is hard to conceive of a penalty that has more deterrent effect than one that lasts a lifetime with no reprieve. Therefore, I have concluded that permanent ineligibility ends upon the passing of the disciplined individual, and Mr. Rose will be removed from the permanently ineligible list.”

A 17-time All-Star during a playing career from 1963-86, Rose holds record for hits (4,256), games (3,562), at-bats (14,053), plate appearances (15,890) and singles (3,215). He was the 1963 NL Rookie of the Year, 1973 MVP and 1975 World Series MVP. A three-time NL batting champion, he broke the prior hits record of 4,191 set by Ty Cobb from 1905-28.

“Pete is one of the greatest players in baseball history, and Reds Country will continue to celebrate him as we always have," Reds owner Bob Castellini said. “We are especially happy for the Rose family to receive this news and what this decision could mean for them and all of Pete’s fans.”

Jackson was a .356 career hitter who was among the eight Black Sox banned for throwing the 1919 World Series. He died in 1951, but he remains one of baseball's most recognizable names in part for his depiction by Ray Liotta in the 1989 movie Field of Dreams.

What else needs to happen for Rose or Jackson to reach the Hall of Fame?

Under a rule adopted by the Hall’s board of directors in 1991, anyone on the permanently ineligible list can’t be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rose-hall-of-fame-d3da8832097f2717590096d68600fee4">considered for election</a>&nbsp;to the Hall. Jackson was twice considered on ballots by the Baseball Writers' Association of America, but received just 0.9% in 1936 and 1% of a nominating vote in 1940.

Rose’s reinstatement occurred too late for him to be considered for the BBWAA ballot. If not on the permanently banned list, Rose would have been eligible on the ballots each from 1992 through 2006. He was written in on 41 votes in 1992 and on 243 of 7,232 ballots (3.4%) over the 15 years, votes that were not counted.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2024/9/1727739054688.jpeg" alt="FILE - In this July 31, 1978 file photo, Cincinnati Reds third baseman Pete Rose tips his cap to the crowd after hitting in his 44th straight game in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)" />
 <figcaption>FILE - In this July 31, 1978 file photo, Cincinnati Reds third baseman Pete Rose tips his cap to the crowd after hitting in his 44th straight game in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)</figcaption>
 </figure>NEW YORK (AP) — Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson were reinstated by baseball Commissioner Rob Manfred on Tuesday, making both eligible for the sport’s Hall of Fame after their careers were tarnished by sports gambling scandals.Rose’s permanent ban was lifted eight months&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-rose-obituary-reds-e0f3dfa057fc46629447e04b6540e4c8">after his death</a>&nbsp;and came a day before the Cincinnati Reds will honor baseball’s career hits leader with Pete Rose Night.Manfred announced Tuesday that he was changing the league's policy on permanent ineligibility, saying bans would expire at death. Several others will also have their status changed by the ruling, including all members of the 1919 Chicago Black Sox, former Philadelphia Phillies president Williams D. Cox and former New York Giants outfielder Benny Kauff.Under the Hall of Fame’s current rules, the earliest Rose or Jackson could be inducted would be in 2028.Rose agreed to a permanent ban on Aug. 23, 1989, following an investigation commissioned by Major League Baseball concluded Rose repeatedly bet on the Reds as a player and manager of the team from 1985-87, a violation of a long-standing MLB rule.Rose first applied for reinstatement in September 1997, but Commissioner Bud Selig never ruled on the request.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/general-news-b8d15e433f68468eab7030a08ed47c09">Manfred in 2015 rejected a petition for reinstatement</a>, saying “Rose has not presented credible evidence of a reconfigured life.”<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-rose-obituary-reds-e0f3dfa057fc46629447e04b6540e4c8">Rose died Sept. 30 at age 83</a>, and a new petition was filed Jan. 8 by Jeffrey Lenkov, a lawyer who represented Rose. Lenkov and Rose’s daughter Fawn had met with Manfred on Dec. 17.Rose’s supporters have included U.S. President Donald Trump, who has said he intends to pardon Rose posthumously.&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/pete-rose-reinstatement-00a2532eeb4f1aa3dd81530260de44b8">Manfred discussed Rose with Trump</a>&nbsp;when the pair met in April, but he hasn’t disclosed specifics of their conversation.In a letter to Lenkov, Manfred wrote, “In my view, a determination must be made regarding how the phrase ‘permanently ineligible’ should be interpreted in light of the purposes and policies behind Rule 21, which are to: (1) protect the game from individuals who pose a risk to the integrity of the sport by prohibiting the participation of such individuals; and (2) create a deterrent effect that reduces the likelihood of future violations by others."In my view, once an individual has passed away, the purposes of Rule 21 have been served. Obviously, a person no longer with us cannot represent a threat to the integrity of the game. Moreover, it is hard to conceive of a penalty that has more deterrent effect than one that lasts a lifetime with no reprieve. Therefore, I have concluded that permanent ineligibility ends upon the passing of the disciplined individual, and Mr. Rose will be removed from the permanently ineligible list.”A 17-time All-Star during a playing career from 1963-86, Rose holds record for hits (4,256), games (3,562), at-bats (14,053), plate appearances (15,890) and singles (3,215). He was the 1963 NL Rookie of the Year, 1973 MVP and 1975 World Series MVP. A three-time NL batting champion, he broke the prior hits record of 4,191 set by Ty Cobb from 1905-28.“Pete is one of the greatest players in baseball history, and Reds Country will continue to celebrate him as we always have," Reds owner Bob Castellini said. “We are especially happy for the Rose family to receive this news and what this decision could mean for them and all of Pete’s fans.”Jackson was a .356 career hitter who was among the eight Black Sox banned for throwing the 1919 World Series. He died in 1951, but he remains one of baseball's most recognizable names in part for his depiction by Ray Liotta in the 1989 movie Field of Dreams.<h2>What else needs to happen for Rose or Jackson to reach the Hall of Fame?</h2>Under a rule adopted by the Hall’s board of directors in 1991, anyone on the permanently ineligible list can’t be&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/rose-hall-of-fame-d3da8832097f2717590096d68600fee4">considered for election</a>&nbsp;to the Hall. Jackson was twice considered on ballots by the Baseball Writers' Association of America, but received just 0.9% in 1936 and 1% of a nominating vote in 1940.Rose’s reinstatement occurred too late for him to be considered for the BBWAA ballot. If not on the permanently banned list, Rose would have been eligible on the ballots each from 1992 through 2006. He was written in on 41 votes in 1992 and on 243 of 7,232 ballots (3.4%) over the 15 years, votes that were not counted.Hall of Fame Chairman of the Board Jane Forbes Clark said in a statement that players affected by Manfred's ruling Tuesday would be considered.“The National Baseball Hall of Fame has always maintained that anyone removed from Baseball’s permanently ineligible list will become eligible for Hall of Fame consideration,” she said. “Major League Baseball’s decision to remove deceased individuals from the permanently ineligible list will allow for the Hall of Fame candidacy of such individuals to now be considered."Without the ban, both players are eligible for the Hall’s Classic Baseball Era, which next meets to consider players in December 2027 and considers those whose greatest contributions to the sport were before 1980.A 10-person historical overview committee selects the eight ballot candidates with the approval of the Hall’s board and the ballot is considered by 16 members at the winter meetings, with a 75% or higher vote needed. The committee members include Hall of Fame members, team executives and media/historians.Among the players in the 2028 class eligible for the BBWAA ballot are Albert Pujols and Yadier Molina.<h2>Did Trump help get Rose reinstated?</h2>Trump has said he would pardon Rose, but it’s not clear what a presidential pardon for Rose would entail.

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