KANSAS CITY, MO. — The Chicago White Sox's struggles continued in an embarrassing fashion as they fell to the Kansas City Royals 10-0 on Thursday, May 8, 2025. This loss not only capped off a four-game series sweep but also marked the White Sox's eleventh consecutive defeat at Kauffman Stadium, extending a franchise record that has become a significant point of concern for the team.
In a game that felt all too familiar, the White Sox were unable to muster any offensive momentum, finishing the series with a dismal total of four runs across four games. The Royals, on the other hand, displayed a commanding performance, allowing only four runs to the Sox throughout the series.
Starter Davis Martin, who entered the game with a respectable 3.52 ERA, struggled to contain the Royals' offense. He pitched 4 1/3 innings, giving up four runs on seven hits before being replaced by relievers Mike Vasil and Jared Shuster, who collectively surrendered an additional six runs. The Royals capitalized on every opportunity, with their first six runs coming from two-out hits, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure.
“Not good,” was how White Sox manager Will Venable described the game. “We just couldn’t get anything going offensively. Davis actually pitched okay then in the fifth ran into some trouble trying to keep it close. At the end [the game] got away from us.”
The White Sox had a chance to rally in the fifth inning when they had runners on first and third with no outs after Andrew Vaughn hit a leadoff double. Unfortunately, a fielder’s choice and a double play dashed their hopes of scoring, leaving the team frustrated and unable to capitalize on their scoring opportunities.
“In that situation if it’s not a double play ball then you don’t have to go,” Venable added, reflecting on the missed opportunity. “It’s something that we’ll talk about and walk through.”
The Royals' offensive onslaught was led by Bobby Witt Jr., who had a stellar game with four hits, while Salvador Perez contributed significantly with three RBIs. Jonathan India also shone brightly, adding two hits and two RBIs to the mix. Pitcher Kris Bubic, who has been a standout for the Royals this season, continued his dominance on the mound, allowing just six hits over seven innings while striking out seven batters.
With this victory, the Royals have now won six straight games and sit just two games out of first place in the AL Central, showcasing a remarkable turnaround after a rough start to the season. They have been particularly effective at home, where they have now beaten the White Sox in 11 consecutive games.
“It hasn’t been smooth sailing the whole time, but I think that’s what makes it special,” said right fielder Michael A. Taylor, who recently celebrated ten years of major-league service time. Taylor has played 1,114 career games with five MLB teams, reflecting on the ups and downs of his journey in baseball.
The White Sox's woes against the Royals are particularly glaring, as they now hold a 1-18 record in their last 19 matchups against Kansas City. The last time the White Sox won a series against the Royals was over 700 days ago, in mid-May of 2023, a statistic that highlights the ongoing struggles the team faces.
“It’s the big leagues,” Martin remarked, emphasizing the need for the team to execute better in crucial moments. “There’s always a point in the game where you lose it or you win it.”
As the White Sox prepare to return home for a three-game series against the Miami Marlins, questions loom over their ability to bounce back. They will need to address their offensive inefficiencies, especially with runners in scoring position, where they finished just 1-for-9 in the game against the Royals.
In addition to their offensive struggles, the White Sox have been dealing with injury setbacks. Catcher Korey Lee is recovering from a left ankle sprain, while Gage Workman is nursing a right hip flexor strain. Both players are set to begin their rehab assignments at Triple-A Charlotte. Outfielder Mike Tauchman, also sidelined with a right hamstring strain, is scheduled to start his rehab assignment on Saturday.
Meanwhile, the Royals are looking to build on their momentum as they head into a new series against the Boston Red Sox. With their pitching staff performing at an elite level, they have shown they can compete with the best teams in the league.
As the White Sox regroup and prepare for their upcoming games, they must find a way to overcome the mental hurdles that seem to plague them against the Royals. The road ahead will not be easy, but if they can harness their potential and execute better on the field, there may still be hope for a turnaround in their season.
The White Sox will take the field again at home, hoping to right the ship and put an end to their losing streak. The team remains determined to find their footing as they face the Marlins, while the Royals continue to ride their wave of success and aim for a playoff spot.
