The Kansas City Royals managed to edge out the Colorado Rockies 4-3 in an exhilarating 11-inning contest on April 22, 2025, at Kauffman Stadium, marking a thrilling start to their three-game interleague series. After a challenging start to the season, the Royals demonstrated resilience as they rallied from a ninth-inning deficit to secure the win.
In a game that had fans on the edge of their seats, Royals closer Carlos Estevez faced an unexpected challenge. With the Royals leading 2-0 in the ninth inning, Estevez, who had allowed just one earned run in his previous ten innings, struggled to find his command. He walked three batters before giving up a two-out, bases-clearing double to Rockies catcher Jacob Stallings, allowing Colorado to tie the game.
Despite the setback, the Royals showed their fighting spirit. Salvador Perez initiated the comeback with a bloop single, followed by a double from Maikel Garcia. Freddy Fermin, who pinch-ran for Perez, crossed the plate on a sacrifice fly from Michael Massey, setting the stage for the dramatic finish.
After both teams failed to score in the tenth, Royals lefty Daniel Lynch delivered a perfect inning, and the game continued into the eleventh. Fermin emerged as the hero, lining an RBI single to center field, sending the home crowd into a frenzy. This victory not only improved the Royals' record to 10-14 but also provided a much-needed boost after a rocky start to the season.
Royals starter Kris Bubic was the star of the night, earning a standing ovation after throwing seven shutout innings, striking out six while walking none. His performance was a significant highlight, showcasing his potential after a challenging recovery from Tommy John surgery. Bubic's season stats now reflect a remarkable 1.88 ERA, further solidifying his status as a breakout candidate.
"He threw a ton of strikes. That was impressive," Royals manager Matt Quatraro remarked, commending Bubic's ability to generate weak contact from the Rockies' lineup. The Rockies, struggling offensively, currently sit near the bottom of the league in runs scored, with only 68 to their name. Their batting average of .218 and on-base percentage of .289 further illustrate their challenges at the plate.
Mickey Moniak, who leads the Rockies with three home runs and nine RBIs, had a one-hit showing in the game, going 1-for-5 with a triple and two RBIs. Despite his efforts, the Rockies' offensive struggles continued, as they managed only three runs against the Royals' pitching.
As the series continues, the Rockies will look to bounce back against the Royals, who are eager to build on this momentum. The teams are set to face off again on April 23, with Michael Lorenzen on the mound for the Royals against Germán Márquez for the Rockies. The matchup promises to be another exciting chapter in this interleague showdown.
Looking ahead, the Royals are hoping to capitalize on their recent success as they face a struggling Rockies team that has dropped to 4-18 this season. The Royals' lineup, while still searching for consistency, showed flashes of brilliance in their latest game, particularly with Drew Waters, who blasted his first big-league home run since August 26, 2023. Waters' sixth-inning homer traveled an impressive 408 feet, providing a much-needed spark for the Royals.
However, the Royals' offensive inconsistencies remain a concern, as they have scored four runs or fewer in 22 of their last 24 games. This marks the longest stretch of such performances in the American League since the Royals set a franchise record with a 19-game streak in June 2018.
The Royals are also dealing with injury issues, as starting pitcher Alec Marsh is struggling with shoulder discomfort and will meet with team doctors for further evaluation. Meanwhile, reliever Hunter Harvey is expected to start playing catch soon as he recovers from his shoulder injury, which had sidelined him earlier in the season.
As the Royals look to improve their record and find their offensive rhythm, the upcoming games against the Rockies present an opportunity for them to build on their recent success. Fans will be watching closely to see if the Royals can continue their winning ways and if Bubic can maintain his impressive form on the mound.
In the world of sports betting, the Royals have been favored in their upcoming matchups against the Rockies, with predictive analytics giving them a 62% chance of winning. This comes as no surprise, given the Rockies' struggles this season. Betting odds for the next game indicate that the Royals are favored at $1.50, while the Rockies sit at $2.65.
As both teams prepare for their next encounter, the excitement in Kansas City is palpable. Will the Royals continue their winning streak, or can the Rockies find a way to turn their fortunes around? Only time will tell as this intriguing series unfolds.
