HOUSTON, TX – May 12, 2025 – The Houston Astros began their three-game home series against the Kansas City Royals last night with a 7-5 loss at Daikin Park. The Royals jumped out to an early lead and held off a late Astros rally to secure the victory.
Astros right-hander Ryan Gusto (3-2) took the loss, struggling in his outing by allowing seven runs on seven hits and three walks in just 2 1/3 innings. For the Royals, Michael Wacha (3-4) earned the win, pitching 6 1/3 innings, giving up two runs on eight hits. Carlos Estévez (12th save) closed out the game for Kansas City.
The Royals wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. In the top of the second inning, Michael Massey hit a solo home run. The Royals then added three more runs in the inning with an RBI single from Jonathan India, an RBI triple from Bobby Witt Jr., and an RBI single from Vinnie Pasquantino, making it 4-0.
Kansas City extended their lead further in the third inning with three more runs. Drew Waters hit an RBI single, Jonathan India added another RBI single, and Bobby Witt Jr. hit a sacrifice fly, pushing the score to a daunting 7-0.
The Astros, despite the large deficit, began to chip away late in the game. In the bottom of the seventh, Zach Dezenzo hit an RBI double, and Jeremy Peña followed with a sacrifice fly, cutting the lead to 7-2.
Houston continued their rally in the eighth inning. Jake Meyers delivered a two-run single, and Cam Smith hit an RBI groundout, bringing the score to 7-5. However, the comeback fell short in the ninth, as Carlos Estévez closed the door.
The Astros outhit the Royals 11-7 but left 11 runners on base, unable to fully capitalize on their opportunities. The loss dropped the Astros’ record to 20-20.
