Kris Bubic shines again, but Royals fall to Astros, 2-1, on walk-off homer

Jaylon Thompson, The Kansas City Star on May 13, 2025

Published in Baseball

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HOUSTON — Kansas City Royals starter Kris Bubic continued his torrid start to the 2025 campaign Tuesday night against the Houston Astros, but it wasn't enough as the Royals fell, 2-1.

Bubic limited the Astros to one run across 6 1/3 innings. He allowed six hits and added nine strikeouts in his ninth start of the season.

Houston (21-20) prevailed as Isaac Parades hit a walk-off home run against John Schreiber in the ninth inning.

Bubic, who earned a no decision, now sports a 1.66 ERA and has six quality starts on the year. He trails Max Fried (1.03 ERA), Tyler Mahle (1.47 ERA) and Hunter Brown (1.48 ERA) among American League leaders.

However, it begs the question: Should Bubic receive All-Star consideration?

Bubic has been the Royals’ best starter this season. He continues to pitch well in a return to the starting rotation following Tommy John surgery.

On Tuesday, Bubic worked out of multiple jams.

He struck out Astros catcher Yainer Diaz with a 94.2-mph fastball. Later, he stranded Astros star Jose Altuve at second base. Bubic struck out Paredes and Christian Walker in order. Then, he induced Diaz to fly out to end the frame.

Astros shortstop Jeremy Pena provided the lone damage against Bubic. He hit a solo home run into the Crawford Boxes in left field. It was his sixth home run as Bubic left a four-seam fastball over the inside part of the plate.

The Royals (25-19) scored one run against Astros star Framber Valdez. Royals catcher Freddy Fermin logged an RBI single in the fifth inning and also made a terrific throw on Jake Meyers’ stolen base attempt.

Bubic showed why his All-Star candidacy is legitimate — and why he looks to keep it going moving forward. He registered a combined 40 swings and 22 whiffs with his fastball and change-up. At one point, he added four consecutive strikeouts by relying on both pitches.

What’s next?

The Royals conclude their three-game series against the Houston Astros on Wednesday night at Daikin Park. Michael Lorenzen (3-3. 3.57 ERA) draws the start after posting seven shutout innings in his last outing.