Royals secure 4th consecutive series victory with late rally vs. Blue Jays

Jaylon Thompson, The Kansas City Star on Aug 3, 2025

Published in Baseball

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If the Kansas City Royals are going to climb the American League wild-card standings, they’ll need to find a way to defeat the top teams.

On Sunday, the Royals overcame an early deficit in a 7-4 victory over the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre in Toronto.

Royals starter Seth Lugo struggled with his command across 4 2/3 innings. He surrendered two runs and four walks. The Royals’ bullpen kept the deficit close with multiple scoreless innings of relief.

It was on the offense to do its part. And for seven innings, the Royals couldn’t solve the Blue Jays’ pitching. Chris Bassitt held the Royals to a lone hit and one earned run in six innings of work.

The Royals worked three walks but had nothing to show for it … until the eighth inning.

In the eighth, Royals star Bobby Witt Jr. doubled into left field. He later scored as Vinnie Pasquantino added an RBI single to tie the game.

Momentum shifted toward the Royals. From there, the bullpen held strong as the Royals found their way to a comeback victory and series win in extra innings.

Isbel ignites rally in extras

Kyle Isbel continues to produce in the ninth spot in the batting order. On Saturday, he logged two doubles against the Blue Jays.

On Sunday, Isbel doubled home Randal Grichuk, who served as the designated runner, in the 10th inning. The Royals scored four additional runs off new Blue Jays reliever Seranthony Domínguez.

Tyler Tolbert hit a two-run single as KC extended the lead. The Royals (56-56) returned to .500 as closer Carlos Estévez helped secure their fourth consecutive series victory.

Cruz placed on IL

The Royals added another name to their expansive injury list. On Sunday, the club sidelined reliever Steven Cruz due to right shoulder impingement.

Cruz left Saturday’s game against the Blue Jays. He felt discomfort during his relief appearance and exited with the Royals training staff.

“It’s shoulder soreness and probably signs of impingement in there,” Royals manager Matt Quatraro said in his pregame interview on FanDuel Sports Kansas City. “We got him back to Kansas City so he can see the doctors to get a better diagnosis.”

Cruz is having a career year. He owns a 3.83 ERA in 43 relief appearances and has recently stepped up in high-leverage situations.

In a corresponding move, the Royals reinstated left-hander Daniel Lynch IV from the 15-day injured list.

What’s next?

The Royals begin a pivotal three-game series against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park on Monday night. New Royals acquisition Bailey Falter (7-5, 3.73 ERA) will start opposite Red Sox right-hander Bryan Bello (7-5, 3.19 ERA).