KANSAS CITY, MO – April 26, 2025 – The Houston Astros’ struggles at the plate continued last night, as they were shut out for the second consecutive game by the Kansas City Royals, falling 2-0 at Kauffman Stadium. This marks the first time in Royals franchise history they’ve achieved back-to-back shutouts against Houston.
Astros veteran left-hander Framber Valdez (1-3) was the tough-luck loser, putting in a valiant effort by pitching eight innings, allowing only two earned runs on three hits while striking out five. He kept his team in the game, but received no run support. Royals starter Michael Wacha (1-3) earned the win, tossing six scoreless innings, giving up four hits and striking out six. Carlos Estévez (7th save) closed out the ninth for Kansas City.
The Royals got on the scoreboard early in the bottom of the first inning. Mark Canha hit a sacrifice fly to right field, scoring Jonathan India and giving Kansas City a 1-0 lead.
The only other run of the game came in the fifth inning, when Vinnie Pasquantino launched a solo home run, his third of the season, off Valdez, extending the Royals’ lead to 2-0.
Despite outhitting the Royals 6-3, the Astros’ offense could not string together enough hits to push a run across. They left eight runners on base and were 0-for-7 with runners in scoring position. Key opportunities were squandered, including an eighth-inning threat when Isaac Paredes and Jeremy Peña singled, but Michael Wacha’s replacement, Josh Schreiber, struck out Christian Walker to end the inning.
The loss extends the Astros’ losing streak to two games and drops their record to 13-13 on the season. They will look to avoid a sweep in the series finale tomorrow.
