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.

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.

Trump has said he would pardon Rose, but it’s not clear what a presidential pardon for Rose would entail.

<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.

MLB reinstates Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson, making them Hall of Fame eligible

&nbsp;By Ryan Lackey, Associate AD for Communications

MANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Highlighted by fan-favorite traditions and community celebrations, K-State Athletics unveiled the official theme games for the 2025 football season at Bill Snyder Family Stadium on Tuesday.

The 2025 home slate features six games in Manhattan, each with a unique gameday theme designed to enhance the atmosphere and showcase the pride and tradition of K-State Football. Fans are encouraged to mark their calendars and secure their seats for this fall.

Single-game tickets for the 2025 season go on sale exclusively to Ahearn Fund members on Tuesday, June 10, while the public on-sale begins Tuesday, June 17.

A full breakdown of the 2025 theme games is below:

Saturday, August 30 – vs. North Dakota

• Stripe Out: Help stripe out Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Fans are encouraged to wear either purple or white based on their section to create a bold visual statement in the stands. More information will be released in conjunction with the single-game ticket on-sale on June 10.

Saturday, September 6 – vs. Army

• Fort Riley Day: Celebrate and honor the soldiers and families of Fort Riley. Fort Riley Day includes a day-long tribute to K-State’s military partnership, featuring service members, military vehicles and special in-game recognitions.

Saturday, September 27 – vs. UCF

• Celebrate Ag Day: Join us in recognizing the agriculture industry that drives our state and supports our communities. Celebrate Ag Day will highlight Kansas farmers, ranchers and ag leaders during pregame and throughout the game.

• Homecoming: Be part of a beloved K-State tradition as K-State welcomes alumni, students and friends back to Manhattan. The week-long celebration concludes with a packed Bill Snyder Family Stadium on game day.

Saturday, November 1 – vs. Texas Tech

• Harley Day: Start your engines as this fan favorite is back for another year. More than 100 motorcycles will rumble around the field in a thunderous pregame lap you won’t want to miss.

Saturday, November 29 – vs. Colorado

• Senior Day: Honor the Wildcat seniors in their final home game at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. A pregame ceremony will recognize their dedication and contributions to K-State Football.

&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;– k-statesports.com –

&nbsp;By Ryan Lackey, Associate AD for CommunicationsMANHATTAN, Kan.&nbsp;–&nbsp;Highlighted by fan-favorite traditions and community celebrations, K-State Athletics unveiled the official theme games for the 2025 football season at Bill Snyder Family Stadium on Tuesday.The 2025 home slate features six games in Manhattan, each with a unique gameday theme designed to enhance the atmosphere and showcase the pride and tradition of K-State Football. Fans are encouraged to mark their calendars and secure their seats for this fall.Single-game tickets for the 2025 season go on sale exclusively to Ahearn Fund members on Tuesday, June 10, while the public on-sale begins Tuesday, June 17.A full breakdown of the 2025 theme games is below:Saturday, August 30 – vs. North Dakota• Stripe Out: Help stripe out Bill Snyder Family Stadium. Fans are encouraged to wear either purple or white based on their section to create a bold visual statement in the stands. More information will be released in conjunction with the single-game ticket on-sale on June 10.Saturday, September 6 – vs. Army• Fort Riley Day: Celebrate and honor the soldiers and families of Fort Riley. Fort Riley Day includes a day-long tribute to K-State’s military partnership, featuring service members, military vehicles and special in-game recognitions.Saturday, September 27 – vs. UCF• Celebrate Ag Day: Join us in recognizing the agriculture industry that drives our state and supports our communities. Celebrate Ag Day will highlight Kansas farmers, ranchers and ag leaders during pregame and throughout the game.Saturday, October 11 – vs. TCU• Homecoming: Be part of a beloved K-State tradition as K-State welcomes alumni, students and friends back to Manhattan. The week-long celebration concludes with a packed Bill Snyder Family Stadium on game day.Saturday, November 1 – vs. Texas Tech• Harley Day: Start your engines as this fan favorite is back for another year. More than 100 motorcycles will rumble around the field in a thunderous pregame lap you won’t want to miss.Saturday, November 29 – vs. Colorado• Senior Day: Honor the Wildcat seniors in their final home game at Bill Snyder Family Stadium. A pregame ceremony will recognize their dedication and contributions to K-State Football.&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp;– k-statesports.com –

K-State Athletics Announces Theme Games for 2025 Football Season

HOUSTON (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. and Jonathan India each drove in two runs to help Michael Wacha and the Kansas City Royals beat the Houston Astros 7-5 on Monday night.

Michael Massey homered as Kansas City improved to 8-2 in its last 10 games. India finished with three hits, and Witt, Vinnie Pasquantino and Kyle Isbel each had two.

Wacha (3-4) allowed two runs and eight hits in 6 1/3 innings. Carlos Estévez got three outs for his 12th save.

Massey sparked Kansas City's four-run second with a leadoff drive against rookie Ryan Gusto (3-2) for his second homer. India hit a two-out RBI single and scored on Witt's first triple of the season. Pasquantino added a run-scoring single.

The Royals added three more in the third. Drew Waters and India each hit an RBI single, and Witt drove in Waters with a sacrifice fly.

Jake Meyers had two hits and scored two runs for Houston, which had won three of four.

Zach Dezenzo hit an RBI double in the seventh for the Astros, and Jeremy Peña added a sacrifice fly. Meyers' RBI single helped his team close to 7-5 in the eighth.

Gusto allowed seven hits and walked three in 2 1/3 innings.

Jose Altuve hit a leadoff single in the ninth for Houston. But Isaac Paredes flied out, Christian Walker struck out and Yainer Diaz flied out.

Wacha entered with the least run support among starters at 1.79 runs per game. The Royals had not scored more than two runs with him on the mound in any of his eight starts.

LHP Kris Bubic (4-2, 1.69 ERA) starts on Tuesday for the Royals against LHP Framber Valdez (2-4, 3.94 ERA).

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747106889948.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>HOUSTON (AP) — Bobby Witt Jr. and Jonathan India each drove in two runs to help Michael Wacha and the Kansas City Royals beat the Houston Astros 7-5 on Monday night.Michael Massey homered as Kansas City improved to 8-2 in its last 10 games. India finished with three hits, and Witt, Vinnie Pasquantino and Kyle Isbel each had two.Wacha (3-4) allowed two runs and eight hits in 6 1/3 innings. Carlos Estévez got three outs for his 12th save.Massey sparked Kansas City's four-run second with a leadoff drive against rookie Ryan Gusto (3-2) for his second homer. India hit a two-out RBI single and scored on Witt's first triple of the season. Pasquantino added a run-scoring single.The Royals added three more in the third. Drew Waters and India each hit an RBI single, and Witt drove in Waters with a sacrifice fly.Jake Meyers had two hits and scored two runs for Houston, which had won three of four.Zach Dezenzo hit an RBI double in the seventh for the Astros, and Jeremy Peña added a sacrifice fly. Meyers' RBI single helped his team close to 7-5 in the eighth.Gusto allowed seven hits and walked three in 2 1/3 innings.<h2>Key moment</h2>Jose Altuve hit a leadoff single in the ninth for Houston. But Isaac Paredes flied out, Christian Walker struck out and Yainer Diaz flied out.<h2>Key stat</h2>Wacha entered with the least run support among starters at 1.79 runs per game. The Royals had not scored more than two runs with him on the mound in any of his eight starts.<h2>Up next</h2>LHP Kris Bubic (4-2, 1.69 ERA) starts on Tuesday for the Royals against LHP Framber Valdez (2-4, 3.94 ERA).

⚾ Witt and India each drive in 2 runs as the Royals beat the Astros 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Rafael Devers’ 440-foot homer snapped a 1-1 tie and Lucas Giolito pitched into the seventh inning for his first win since 2023 as the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 3-1 on Sunday.

Giolito (1-1) allowed two singles and one unearned run in 6 2/3 innings to get his first win for Boston. He missed last season with a partially torn elbow ligament, and his last victory was for Cleveland on Sept. 15, 2023.

Devers — again starting at designated hitter two days after Red Sox homer John Henry flew to Kansas City&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a82e9ddbb9c6f5e294dc6ce5908eab0c">to meet with the disgruntled slugger</a>&nbsp;over his refusal to play first base — followed up his 4-for-4 performance on Saturday with a monster homer. With one out and a runner on first in the sixth,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1921650753531211984">Devers blasted Seth Lugo's first pitch</a>&nbsp;to dead center, his seventh longball of the year.

In the third inning, Giolito threw wildly past third on Kyle Isbel’s bunt, allowing Drew Waters to score. He faced the minimum after that.

Wilyer Abreu tied it in the fourth with his 10th homer, a 430-foot shot to right. Abreu had three hits, snapping an 0-for-13 slide.

Aroldis Chapman pitched a scoreless ninth for his sixth save.

Lugo (3-4) allowed three runs in six innings for his fifth straight quality start.

Kansas City had four hits, all singles, and lost consecutive games for the first time since a six-game skid from April 14-19.

With two on and nobody out in the third, Giolito escaped the jam by getting two groundouts sandwiched around a strikeout of Bobby Witt Jr.

Devers has reached safely in eight of his last nine plate appearances.

Red Sox RHP Tanner Houck (0-2, 6.10 ERA) opposes Tigers RHP Jackson Jobe (2-0, 4.88) at Detroit on Monday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1747010399609.jpeg" alt="Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo (67) throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Sunday, May 11, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo (67) throws during the first inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Sunday, May 11, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Rafael Devers’ 440-foot homer snapped a 1-1 tie and Lucas Giolito pitched into the seventh inning for his first win since 2023 as the Boston Red Sox beat the Kansas City Royals 3-1 on Sunday.Giolito (1-1) allowed two singles and one unearned run in 6 2/3 innings to get his first win for Boston. He missed last season with a partially torn elbow ligament, and his last victory was for Cleveland on Sept. 15, 2023.Devers — again starting at designated hitter two days after Red Sox homer John Henry flew to Kansas City&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/a82e9ddbb9c6f5e294dc6ce5908eab0c">to meet with the disgruntled slugger</a>&nbsp;over his refusal to play first base — followed up his 4-for-4 performance on Saturday with a monster homer. With one out and a runner on first in the sixth,&nbsp;<a href="https://x.com/MLB/status/1921650753531211984">Devers blasted Seth Lugo's first pitch</a>&nbsp;to dead center, his seventh longball of the year.In the third inning, Giolito threw wildly past third on Kyle Isbel’s bunt, allowing Drew Waters to score. He faced the minimum after that.Wilyer Abreu tied it in the fourth with his 10th homer, a 430-foot shot to right. Abreu had three hits, snapping an 0-for-13 slide.Aroldis Chapman pitched a scoreless ninth for his sixth save.Lugo (3-4) allowed three runs in six innings for his fifth straight quality start.Kansas City had four hits, all singles, and lost consecutive games for the first time since a six-game skid from April 14-19.<h2>Key moment</h2>With two on and nobody out in the third, Giolito escaped the jam by getting two groundouts sandwiched around a strikeout of Bobby Witt Jr.<h2>Key stat</h2>Devers has reached safely in eight of his last nine plate appearances.<h2>Up next</h2>Red Sox RHP Tanner Houck (0-2, 6.10 ERA) opposes Tigers RHP Jackson Jobe (2-0, 4.88) at Detroit on Monday.

⚾ Devers’ homer boosts Giolito to first win since 2023 as Red Sox beat Royals 

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Garrett Crochet allowed one run on seven hits over seven innings, Rafael Devers was 4 for 4 with three RBIs and the Boston Red Sox beat Kansas City 10-1 on Saturday night to end the Royals' winning streak at seven.

Crochet (4-2) struck out nine and walked one. He struck out Bobby Witt Jr. with the bases loaded to end the seventh.

Trevor Story blew open a close game with a three-run homer.

Cole Ragans (2-2) took the loss. He allowed four runs on seven hits through five innings. He struck out eight and walked two.

The Red Sox got to Ragans in the third. With two outs, Jarren Duran singled and scored on Devers' double.

The Royals answered with a run in the bottom of the third. Witt stroked a one-out single, stole second, went to third on a balk and scored on a looping hit by Mark Canha.

The Red Sox scored three runs in the fifth on four consecutive hits. Duran, Devers and Alex Bregman each delivered RBI singles.

Story's home run came with two outs in the seventh, and Carlos Narvaez added a two-run shot in the eighth.

After the Red Sox took a 4-1 lead in the fifth inning, Crochet got the shut-down inning he needed. Even with an error by shortstop Trevor Story, Crochet didn't allow a runner to reach second base.

Kansas City’s Salvador Perez celebrated his 35th birthday Saturday. With a first-inning single, Perez had a hit for the seventh time in the last 10 years on his birthday.

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746932904194.jpeg" alt="\Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Chris Stratton throws during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Saturday, May 10, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)" />
 <figcaption>\Kansas City Royals relief pitcher Chris Stratton throws during the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Boston Red Sox, Saturday, May 10, 2025, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Garrett Crochet allowed one run on seven hits over seven innings, Rafael Devers was 4 for 4 with three RBIs and the Boston Red Sox beat Kansas City 10-1 on Saturday night to end the Royals' winning streak at seven.Crochet (4-2) struck out nine and walked one. He struck out Bobby Witt Jr. with the bases loaded to end the seventh.Trevor Story blew open a close game with a three-run homer.Cole Ragans (2-2) took the loss. He allowed four runs on seven hits through five innings. He struck out eight and walked two.The Red Sox got to Ragans in the third. With two outs, Jarren Duran singled and scored on Devers' double.The Royals answered with a run in the bottom of the third. Witt stroked a one-out single, stole second, went to third on a balk and scored on a looping hit by Mark Canha.The Red Sox scored three runs in the fifth on four consecutive hits. Duran, Devers and Alex Bregman each delivered RBI singles.Story's home run came with two outs in the seventh, and Carlos Narvaez added a two-run shot in the eighth.<h2>Key moment</h2>After the Red Sox took a 4-1 lead in the fifth inning, Crochet got the shut-down inning he needed. Even with an error by shortstop Trevor Story, Crochet didn't allow a runner to reach second base.<h2>Key stat</h2>Kansas City’s Salvador Perez celebrated his 35th birthday Saturday. With a first-inning single, Perez had a hit for the seventh time in the last 10 years on his birthday.<h2>Up next</h2>

⚾ Crochet, Red Sox beat KC to end Royals' winning streak

KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Freddy Fermin hit a line drive RBI single into left center in the bottom of the 12th inning to give the Kansas City Royals a 2-1 win over the Boston Red Sox on Friday night.

Steven Cruz (1-0) pitched the 12th for his first major league win as the Royals won their seventh consecutve game and for the 16th time in their last 18 games.

Sean Newcombe (0-4), the eighth Red Sox pitcher of the game, took the loss.

Each team scored a run in the 11th after 10 scoreless innings.

Kansas City's Michael Lorenzen gave up just three hits through seven innings, striking out seven and walking none. He was helped by his defense, including a diving stab of a line drive by first baseman Salvador Perez in the fourth.

Hunter Dobbins didn't allow a run in six innings for Boston, though he did have to work around trouble a couple of times. He gave up two hits in the fourth inning and a one-out triple in the fifth.

Devers, who created a firestorm Thursday when he said he wouldn’t play first base, prompting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sox-devers-first-base-john-henry-a82e9ddbb9c6f5e294dc6ce5908eab0c">Red Sox brass to fly to Kansas City</a>&nbsp;to defuse the situation, was 1 for 5 with an RBI.

In the fifth inning, Kyle Isbel ripped a one-out triple to right center. With the infield drawn in, Jonathan India hit a slow roller to short. Isbel broke for home and was tagged out in a rundown that ended up in a 6-2-5-4 double play.

Lorenzen became the third straight starter for the Royals to pitch seven scoreless innings.

The Red Sox will send LHP Garrett Crochet (3-2, 2.02 ERA) to the mound to face Kansas City LHP Cole Ragans (2-1, 3.79) in the second game of the three-game series on Saturday. ___

<figure>
 <img src="https://media.eaglewebservices.com/public/2025/5/1746848264494.jpeg" alt="Photo Kansas City Royals" />
 <figcaption>Photo Kansas City Royals</figcaption>
 </figure>KANSAS CITY, Mo. (AP) — Freddy Fermin hit a line drive RBI single into left center in the bottom of the 12th inning to give the Kansas City Royals a 2-1 win over the Boston Red Sox on Friday night.Steven Cruz (1-0) pitched the 12th for his first major league win as the Royals won their seventh consecutve game and for the 16th time in their last 18 games.Sean Newcombe (0-4), the eighth Red Sox pitcher of the game, took the loss.Each team scored a run in the 11th after 10 scoreless innings.Both starting pitchers cruised.Kansas City's Michael Lorenzen gave up just three hits through seven innings, striking out seven and walking none. He was helped by his defense, including a diving stab of a line drive by first baseman Salvador Perez in the fourth.Hunter Dobbins didn't allow a run in six innings for Boston, though he did have to work around trouble a couple of times. He gave up two hits in the fourth inning and a one-out triple in the fifth.Devers, who created a firestorm Thursday when he said he wouldn’t play first base, prompting&nbsp;<a href="https://apnews.com/article/red-sox-devers-first-base-john-henry-a82e9ddbb9c6f5e294dc6ce5908eab0c">Red Sox brass to fly to Kansas City</a>&nbsp;to defuse the situation, was 1 for 5 with an RBI.<h2>Key Moment</h2>In the fifth inning, Kyle Isbel ripped a one-out triple to right center. With the infield drawn in, Jonathan India hit a slow roller to short. Isbel broke for home and was tagged out in a rundown that ended up in a 6-2-5-4 double play.<h2>Key Stat</h2>Lorenzen became the third straight starter for the Royals to pitch seven scoreless innings.<h2>Up Next</h2>The Red Sox will send LHP Garrett Crochet (3-2, 2.02 ERA) to the mound to face Kansas City LHP Cole Ragans (2-1, 3.79) in the second game of the three-game series on Saturday. ___

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