Royals reset with home sweep against Rockies

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Kansas City Royals are starting to find some rhythm.

After a disappointing 2-8 road trip that included series losses to the Cleveland Guardians, New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers, the Royals have put together a winning streak.

That’s right, the Royals have now won four consecutive games. They swept the Colorado Rockies after winning both games of Thursday’s doubleheader at Kauffman Stadium.

In Game 2, the Royals earned a 6-2 victory to wrap up the series.

The Royals produced timely hits throughout the lineup. Salvador Perez and Freddy Fermin were the offensive catalysts. Perez drove in two runs in Thursday’s first game and Fermin delivered a walk-off single in the series opener.

The Royals’ winning streak comes at a good time. They welcome the Houston Astros to Kauffman Stadium next for a weekend series.

Houston has its best starting pitchers lined up for this series. Astros right-hander Hayden Wesneski gets the start Friday night, followed in succession by left-hander Framber Valdez and righty Hunter Brown.

Until then, here are some takeaways from the Royals’ series against the Rockies:

Royals’ offense warming up

The Royals finally snapped an ugly streak of offense Thursday. KC scored seven runs against the Rockies in the first game of the twin bill.

It was the first time since April 4 that the Royals had eclipsed four runs in a game.

In that long stretch, the Royals didn’t get production from some of their most important contributors. Vinnie Pasquantino has scuffled at the plate. He’s hitting .181 with two home runs and 15 RBIs this season. And leadoff hitter Jonathan India is in a cold spell, as is second baseman Michael Massey.

The Royals have gotten production from other sources. Maikel Garcia is off to a hot start this season Drew Waters has played well since being called up from Triple-A Omaha.

On Thursday, Waters made a terrific leaping catch near the left-field wall in foul territory.

The Royals were 7 for 20 with runners in scoring position in Game 1 of the doubleheader. During their 10-game road trip, they were 11 for 69 (.159 average) in similar situations.

“Every time we get better, it’s good for us,” Perez said. “I think earlier in the season, it was like we were trying to do too much. It’s not going to work that way. You need to keep the line moving.”

Perez said the Royals discussed their struggles after the Detroit series. The collective goal was to have more efficient at-bats. That included taking what’s given and trusting teammates to get the job done.

The Royals found some success against the Rockies. Outfielder Kyle Isbel hit a two-run single and laid down a productive bunt Thursday. He finished the doubleheader with three RBIs.

“A couple of the fastballs we turned on, I was impressed with that,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said.

The Royals scored 17 runs against the Rockies during the series.

Ragans dealing with groin injury

The Royals are awaiting the results of further testing on left-handed ace Cole Ragans. The pitcher exited the first game of Thursday’s doubleheader with left-groin tightness after just three innings.

Ragans apparently didn’t feel great during his pre-game warmup. He tried to remain loose but ultimately couldn’t finish his outing. The Royals took him out ahead of the fourth inning and relied on multiple relievers to secure the victory.

Quatraro said Ragans will undergo additional testing after receiving treatment between Thursday’s games.

“After the first inning, I saw something weird,” Perez said of Ragans. “His fastball was not kind of sharp today. The off-speed was kind of everywhere. I asked him if he was OK and if he was good. He told me yes, so I have to believe him. I think after the third inning, he felt something in his groin.”

Meanwhile, a few other Royals are working their way back from injury. Outfielder Dairon Blanco (right Achilles) did pre-game work with the training staff, while right-handed reliever Hunter Harvey (right teres major strain) played catch again.

The Royals also got positive news regarding right-handed starter Alec Marsh. He had a setback following a right-shoulder impingement and underwent further testing. He will begin a new throwing progression in the days to come.

Royals pitcher Seth Lugo eyeing WBC

Royals starting pitcher Seth Lugo has entered his name in the World Baseball Classic conversation. On Thursday, he announced that he will pitch for Team Puerto Rico during the 2026 competition.

Lugo last pitched for Puerto Rico in 2017. He helped lead the team to a silver medal in a game against the United States. Lugo was the starting pitcher in the WBC championship game and will return after not pitching in the 2023 competition.

What’s ahead?

The Royals are back in action Friday against the Astros. It’s another early test against a team that made the playoffs last season.

The Royals have played six of their first eight series of the 2025 season against teams that made the postseason last year. The list includes the Cleveland Guardians (twice), Milwaukee Brewers, Baltimore Orioles, New York Yankees and Detroit Tigers.