The Houston Astros and the Kansas City Royals have a long history of exciting matchups that have produced some unforgettable moments over the years. From dramatic comebacks to dominant pitching performances, these two teams have faced off in some thrilling contests that have kept fans on the edge of their seats. Let’s take a look back at some of the best moments between the Astros and the Royals.
One of the most memorable moments between these two teams came during the 2015 season, when the Astros and Royals met in the American League Division Series. In Game 4 of the series, the Astros took a commanding 6-2 lead into the eighth inning, only for the Royals to mount an incredible comeback and tie the game with five runs in the bottom of the inning. The Royals would go on to win the game in extra innings and eventually take the series in five games on their way to winning the World Series.
Another unforgettable moment between the Astros and Royals came in 2013, when the two teams engaged in a marathon 12-inning game that saw a total of 17 pitchers used between the two clubs. The game featured several lead changes and dramatic moments, but it was ultimately the Royals who emerged victorious with a walk-off win thanks to a clutch hit from outfielder Justin Maxwell. The game was a testament to the competitiveness and resilience of both teams.
In a regular season matchup between the Astros and Royals in 2019, pitcher Gerrit Cole put on a dominant performance that will be remembered for years to come. Cole struck out 12 batters over seven innings of work, allowing just one run and leading the Astros to a 4-1 victory. Cole’s performance showcased his elite pitching ability and helped solidify his reputation as one of the best pitchers in the league.
During the 2020 season, the Astros and Royals faced off in a game that will be remembered for its offensive fireworks. The two teams combined for a total of 28 hits and 20 runs in a back-and-forth slugfest that included multiple lead changes and dramatic moments. In the end, the Astros emerged victorious with a 13-7 win, thanks in large part to a standout performance from outfielder George Springer, who hit two home runs and drove in five runs.
In another memorable matchup between the Astros and Royals, outfielder Alex Gordon provided one of the most thrilling moments in recent history. In a game in 2016, Gordon hit a game-tying home run in the ninth inning off Astros closer Ken Giles, sending the game into extra innings. The Royals would go on to win the game in the 12th inning, thanks to a walk-off hit from catcher Salvador Perez. Gordon’s clutch home run and the Royals’ subsequent victory showcased the never-say-die attitude of the team.
Overall, the rivalry between the Houston Astros and the Kansas City Royals has produced some unforgettable moments that have left fans of both teams on the edge of their seats. From dramatic comebacks to dominant pitching performances to offensive fireworks, these matchups have had it all. Whether it’s a regular season game or a playoff series, the Astros and Royals always seem to bring out the best in each other, making their matchups must-watch baseball for any fan. As these two teams continue to compete against each other in the future, there’s no doubt that more classic moments will be added to their storied rivalry.
