Mets 8, Royals 3: Vientos, Lindor Lead Late Rally; Senga Returns

Saturday, July 12th, 2025

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- The New York Mets defeated the Kansas City Royals 8-3 on Friday night, July 11, 2025, powered by late-game heroics from Mark Vientos and Francisco Lindor.

Mark Vientos delivered a crucial three-run double in the eighth inning, and Francisco Lindor followed with a three-run homer in the ninth, breaking open a close game for the Mets.

The eighth inning rally began with Brandon Nimmo singling, followed by walks to Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto, loading the bases against Steven Cruz. After Pete Alonso struck out, Vientos hit a double that cleared the bases, giving the Mets a 4-3 lead.

Lindor extended the lead in the ninth with his 19th homer of the season. This was his 29th career home run and 81st RBI against the Royals, marking his most against any opponent. Juan Soto immediately followed Lindor with his 22nd homer, the sixth instance of back-to-back homers for the Mets this season.

Huascar Brazobán earned the win (5-2) after pitching the seventh inning, allowing four hits including a two-run homer by Bobby Witt Jr.

Kodai Senga made his return from the injured list, making his first start since leaving a June 12 outing with a right hamstring strain.

Working with a pitch limit, Senga pitched four scoreless innings, allowing four hits and two walks while striking out four batters.

Royals starter Michael Wacha allowed one run on two hits and three walks over five innings, striking out five.

Key moment

In the seventh inning, after Kyle Isbel’s leadoff single, pinch-runner Tyler Tolbert attempted to steal second. The Mets challenged the safe call, which was overturned as Tolbert came off the bag during his head-first slide. Bobby Witt Jr. then hit a home run two batters later.

Key stat

Kodai Senga’s signature "ghost fork" pitch has accounted for 113 of his 206 career strikeouts.

Up next

Mets right-hander Frankie Montas (1-1, 6.14 ERA) was scheduled to face Royals right-hander Michael Lorenzen (5-8, 4.61 ERA) in the next game on Saturday.

In summary, the New York Mets defeated the Kansas City Royals 8-3 on July 11, 2025, securing the win with late-inning offensive surges. Mark Vientos hit a go-ahead three-run double in the eighth, and Francisco Lindor and Juan Soto hit back-to-back homers in the ninth. Kodai Senga returned from injury to pitch four scoreless innings for the Mets. The game also featured a notable overturned stolen base call and a Bobby Witt Jr. home run for the Royals. Frankie Montas is scheduled to pitch for the Mets against Michael Lorenzen for the Royals in the next game.

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