Kris Bubic knocked out early as Royals drop doubleheader finale against Guardians

Jaylon Thompson, The Kansas City Star on Jul 26, 2025

Published in Baseball

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KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Royals starting pitcher Kris Bubic’s first inning against the Cleveland Guardians is one that he will no doubt want to forget.

Coming off his first All-Star appearance, the left-handed Bubic walked the first four batters of the game to open Saturday’s doubleheader nightcap at Kauffman Stadium. He issued free passes to Guardians Steven Kwan, Angel Martinez, Jose Ramirez and Carlos Santana.

Cleveland then proceeded to score three first-inning runs. Bubic threw just 18 of 43 pitches for strikes — in the opening frame alone — and the Royals found themselves in an early hole.

This time, unlike the first game of the day, KC couldn’t make up the difference. The Guardians went on to double their output for a 6-4 victory and twin-bill split.

Bubic allowed four runs (three earned) in 2 2/3 innings before hitting the showers. It was his shortest start of the season and the third time he has recorded four walks in a game.

The Royals chipped into the Guardians’ lead behind home runs from Freddy Fermin and Bobby Witt Jr. Fermin’s came in the second inning, when he belted an 87-mph cutter into the Guardians’ bullpen for his third home run of the season.

Witt clubbed his two-run homer in the fifth. It was his 15th of the year.

But Cleveland limited the Royals down the stretch and closer Emmanuel Clase earned his 24th save after blowing a save opportunity in Saturday’s Game 1, which the Royals won 5-3 in 10 innings.

The Guardians (52-52), one of the teams ahead of the Royals in the American League wild-card chase, got help from Kwan and fellow outfielder Johnathan Rodriguez, who each recorded two RBIs.

The Royals (51-54) finished 0 for 2 with runners in scoring position and left two men on base.

Up next

The weekend series concludes Sunday afternoon at The K. The Royals will send rookie left-hander Noah Cameron (4-4, 2.61 ERA) to the mound opposite Guardians lefty Joey Cantillo (2-0, 3.91 ERA).