Royals Outlast Astros 5-2 With Three-Home-Run Outing

A Three-Home-Run Performance

The Kansas City Royals defeated the Houston Astros 5-2 at Daikin Park on Thursday, September 17, 2026. The deciding factor for the visiting team was the power of their lineup, which produced exactly three home runs during the contest. With a final attendance of 28,497, the Royals extended their offensive dominance to secure the victory. The game featured a strong pitching effort from the Royals' starting staff, who limited the Astros to just two runs over nine innings.

Scoring Sequence

The Royals took an early lead in the fourth inning when Rave hit a 366-foot home run to right field. That drive also allowed Massey to score, giving Kansas City a 2-0 advantage. The momentum continued in the eighth inning, where Massey added a 342-foot solo home run to right field. Shortly after, Jensen doubled to right field, and Collins scored on a throwing error by right fielder Barrosa. Rojas also scored on that play, extending the Royals' lead to 5-0. Houston responded with a sacrifice fly to center field that allowed Barrosa to score, cutting the deficit to 5-1. In the ninth inning, Diaz hit a 381-foot home run to left field for the Astros' final run. The Astros challenged a call on the field during the eighth inning, but the original decision was upheld.

Pitching and Records

Daniel Lynch IV earned the win for the Royals, pitching five scoreless innings. He allowed two hits and one walk while striking out three batters. His record improved to 6-5. Craig Kimbrel recorded the save, pitching one inning without allowing earned runs. For the Astros, Cristian Javier took the loss after pitching five and one-third innings. He allowed five hits and two earned runs, with three walks and two strikeouts. His record dropped to 2-6. Bryan King and Enyel De Los Santos also appeared in relief for Houston, while the Royals used four other relievers to close the game. The Astros finished with a 76-76 record, while the Royals dropped to 67-85.

Sources

ESPN