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Astros Rally Past Royals 8-7 on Late Inning Scores

Houston Astros overcome a deficit with key home runs and a ninth-inning rally to defeat the Kansas City Royals 8-7 at Kauffman Stadium.

Brooks Avery

June 14, 20262 min read

MLBFinal
Houston Astros8
Kansas City Royals7

June 13, 2026

A Five-Homer Battle

The Houston Astros and Kansas City Royals engaged in a high-scoring affair at Kauffman Stadium, combining for five home runs in a contest that saw the lead change hands multiple times. The Astros ultimately secured an 8-7 victory on Saturday, June 13, 2026, in front of 17,881 spectators.

Early Royals Lead

Kansas City established an early advantage, taking a 3-0 lead by the third inning. The Royals scored in the second when Massey singled to right, bringing Caglianone home. They extended their margin in the third inning, with Pasquantino’s single to center driving in Jensen. Witt Jr. added an insurance run later in the frame, scoring on a passed ball by Astros catcher Vázquez.

Astros Strike Back

Houston began its comeback in the fourth inning. Walker launched a 394-foot home run to left, scoring Alvarez to make it 2-3. The Astros tied the game in the fifth when Matthews homered 434 feet to center, with Meyers scoring. Meyers then gave Houston the lead in the sixth inning with a 419-foot home run to left center.

However, the Royals quickly reclaimed the advantage. Jensen doubled to center in the sixth, driving in Perez, Thomas, and Massey to put Kansas City ahead 7-5.

Late Rally Secures Win

The game remained tight as Houston tied the score in the eighth inning. Altuve hit a 407-foot home run to left, with Paredes scoring to make it 7-7.

The decisive moment came in the ninth inning. Walker grounded into a fielder's choice to shortstop, allowing Loperfido to score the game-winning run. Alvarez was thrown out at second, ending the threat.

Pitching Performances

Bryan King earned the win for Houston, pitching one scoreless inning. Mike Burrows started for the Astros, pitching five innings and allowing four earned runs. Bryan Abreu recorded his fifth save of the season, retiring the final batter.

For Kansas City, Noah Cameron started, allowing four earned runs over 4.1 innings. Alex Lange took the loss, pitching 1.2 innings and allowing one earned run.

The win improves the Astros' record to 33-39. The Royals fall to 28-43.

Sources

https://www.espn.com/mlb/game/_/gameId/401815742

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Brooks Avery

Brooks Avery covers Sherman sports, from high school teams to Austin College athletics.

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