Today : May 07, 2025
Sports
07 May 2025

Bobby Witt Jr. Delivers Walk-Off Single For Royals Win

Royals rally in ninth inning to secure fourth straight victory against White Sox

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — In a thrilling finish at Kauffman Stadium, Bobby Witt Jr. delivered a walk-off single that capped a dramatic two-run rally in the ninth inning, leading the Kansas City Royals to a 4-3 victory over the Chicago White Sox on Tuesday night, May 6, 2025. This win marks the Royals' fourth consecutive victory and their ninth straight home win against the White Sox.

Witt entered the ninth inning struggling at the plate, sitting at 0-for-4, but he stepped up when it mattered most. With the bases loaded and the game tied at 3, he launched a deep fly ball to center field, a hit that Chicago's Luis Robert Jr. could not reach, allowing the winning run to score.

The ninth inning was a rollercoaster for both teams. Chicago's Cam Booser, who suffered the loss and fell to 0-3, started the inning by walking Mark Canha. The situation escalated when Drew Waters' popup struck White Sox second baseman Chase Meidroth in the forehead, enabling Canha to advance to second base. Freddy Fermin then reached first on a perfectly placed bunt single, loading the bases for the Royals.

With one out, Jonathan India grounded a ball up the middle. White Sox shortstop Jadob Amaya managed to glove the ball but threw it off-target to second base on a force attempt, allowing the tying run to cross the plate. This miscue set the stage for Witt's game-winning hit.

The Royals have been on a hot streak, winning 13 of their last 15 games, showcasing their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. Starting pitcher Seth Lugo delivered a solid performance, allowing two runs on seven hits and three walks across 6 2/3 innings. However, he was outdueled by Chicago's Sean Burke, who pitched 6 1/3 innings, giving up four hits, including a sixth-inning solo homer by Kyle Isbel, and three walks.

The White Sox struck first in the fourth inning when Brooks Baldwin found a gap in the Royals' infield, driving in an RBI hit. They extended their lead to 2-0 in the sixth with Andrew Vaughn's run-scoring single. But the Royals responded quickly: Isbel's home run in the sixth ignited the crowd and brought Kansas City back into contention.

As the game progressed, the White Sox managed to add another run in the eighth inning. Vaughn and Baldwin both singled, and Josh Rojas followed up with a two-out RBI single to increase Chicago's lead to 3-1. Yet, the Royals were not finished. In the bottom of the eighth, Salvador Perez hit a two-out double over the head of left fielder Baldwin, scoring Vinnie Pasquantino, who had two hits in the game, cutting the deficit to 3-2.

With the momentum shifting, the Royals entered the ninth inning determined to complete the comeback. Taylor Clarke, who pitched 1 1/3 innings, earned the win, improving his record to 1-0. The Royals showcased their fighting spirit, refusing to back down in the face of adversity.

Witt's walk-off single was the second of his career, a testament to his growing reputation as a clutch performer. His first came in 2023 when he hit a game-ending grand slam, solidifying his place as a player to watch in the league.

As the Royals celebrate this hard-fought victory, they continue to build momentum in the season, looking to extend their winning streak and solidify their position in the standings. Fans left Kauffman Stadium buzzing with excitement, eager to see what the next game will bring.

This thrilling encounter not only highlights the Royals' resilience but also sets the stage for an intense series as both teams continue to vie for supremacy in the AL Central. With the season still young, every game counts, and the Royals are proving they have the heart and talent to compete at the highest level.