In an exhilarating showdown at Kauffman Stadium, the Kansas City Royals clinched a hardfought 43 victory over the Colorado Rockies in an 11inning nailbiter. The game, played on April 22, 2025, saw dramatic swings in momentum, with the Royals walking off in the bottom of the 11th inning thanks to a clutch hit by Freddy Fermin.
The Games Early Tension
The game started off in typical tense fashion, with both teams struggling to break through offensively. Through the first six innings, both teams remained scoreless, as Rockies pitcher Ryan Feltner and Royals starter Kris Bubic kept their opponents in check. Bubic was especially effective, keeping the Rockies at bay with strong control and timely strikeouts. On the other side, Feltner had his moments of brilliance but was eventually undone by a solo home run from Drew Waters in the bottom of the 6th. The Royals took a 10 lead, giving their fans something to cheer for after a quiet start.
Late Drama and the Rockies Comeback
Despite the Rockies struggles to generate offense early, they found their rhythm late in the game. After a scoreless 7th and 8th inning, the Rockies finally broke through in the top of the 9th. With the bases loaded and two outs, catcher Jacob Stallings came up big for Colorado. Stallings doubled off Royals closer Carlos Estévez, clearing the bases and giving the Rockies a dramatic 32 lead.
However, Kansas City responded in kind. In the bottom of the 9th, the Royals loaded the bases, and Michael Massey came through with a sacrifice fly, scoring a run to tie the game at 33. It was an electrifying moment as the crowd roared, sensing that the game was far from over.
A Walkoff Victory in the 11th
As the game headed into extra innings, both teams continued to fight tooth and nail for the win. The Royals showed resilience and finally capitalized in the 11th inning. With the bases loaded and no outs, Freddy Fermin stepped up to the plate. On a 21 count, Fermin singled off Rockies pitcher Tyler Kinley, driving in the winning run and sending the home crowd into a frenzy.
Key Performances
Drew Waters KC: The Royals outfielder had a standout game, finishing 3for4 with a home run, 2 runs scored, and an RBI. His home run was the only offense for the Royals until late in the game.
Jacob Stallings COL: The Rockies catcher delivered when it mattered most, with a clutch 9thinning double that drove in three crucial runs. His bat kept Colorado alive until the final frame.
Daniel Lynch KC: Lynch earned the win in relief, pitching one scoreless inning with a strikeout. His effective work in extra innings helped secure the Royals victory.
Tyler Kinley COL: The Rockies reliever took the loss after allowing the walkoff hit to Fermin, despite a solid performance earlier in the game.
Looking Ahead
The Royals victory was a welcome sight after a rough stretch of losses. The win lifts them to a 38 record over their last 11 games. Meanwhile, the Rockies remain on a downward trajectory, having lost four of their last five games. Both teams will look to turn things around as they continue their series in Kansas City.
The Royals have an upcoming series against the Houston Astros, where theyll hope to carry the momentum from this dramatic win. The Rockies, on the other hand, will look to regroup and find consistency as they head into their next matchup against the Cincinnati Reds.
In a game that featured lategame heroics and unforgettable moments, this contest will go down as one of the most thrilling of the season. The Royals may have emerged victorious, but both teams showed a lot of heart in this electrifying battle.