Zach McKinstry Powers Detroit Tigers Past Kansas City Royals 7-5 With Homer and Triple on August 22, 2025

Friday, August 22nd, 2025

Detroit Tigers Rally Past Kansas City Royals 7-5 with McKinstry Leading the Charge

The Detroit Tigers delivered another impressive comeback, overcoming a deficit to secure a 7-5 victory over the Kansas City Royals at Comerica Park. Zach McKinstry was the driving force behind Detroit's offense, collecting three hits including a home run, and scoring twice in a pivotal performance for the Tigers.

Tigers Surge in the Late Innings

Detroit fell behind early, trailing 3-1 after the third inning. The Royals took the lead as Bobby Witt Jr. delivered an RBI single and Salvador Perez added a two-run double. However, Zach McKinstry responded with a solo homer in the bottom of the third to keep the Tigers within striking distance.

Momentum shifted in the sixth inning when Riley Greene blasted his 30th home run of the season—a two-run shot that tied the game, reigniting Detroit’s hopes. The Tigers erupted for four runs in the seventh inning, capitalizing on Kansas City’s defensive miscues and timely hitting.

McKinstry ignited the rally with an infield single off Royals reliever Bailey Falter. After advancing on a single by Javier Báez, he scored when Randal Grichuk’s throw to third base got away. Andy Ibáñez contributed an RBI single and later scored on Gleyber Torres’ double, pushing Detroit ahead 6-3.

Kansas City’s Record Chase Falls Short

Vinnie Pasquantino continued his home run streak for the Royals, launching a ninth-inning homer to tie the Kansas City franchise record with five consecutive games with a long ball. He joins Mike Sweeney (2002) and Salvador Perez (2021) at the top of the Royals’ record books.

Bobby Witt Jr. grounded into two double plays in the game, matching a career-high for the third time.

Pitching Performances

Reliever Kyle Finnegan earned the win for Detroit, delivering two scoreless innings and escaping a tense seventh-inning jam. Bailey Falter suffered the loss for Kansas City after allowing Detroit's go-ahead run in the seventh.

The Tigers’ bullpen held strong in the late innings, sealing the team’s eighth win in the last nine games. The Royals, despite their recent strong play, suffered only their third loss in the last 11 outings.

Key Moment

After Detroit tied the score in the sixth, Royals reliever Drew Sommers issued walks to Nick Loftin and Randal Grichuk in the seventh. Tigers manager A.J. Hinch turned to Kyle Finnegan, who induced a double play from Bobby Witt Jr. and a fly out from Pasquantino to halt the rally and keep the score deadlocked.

Key Stat

Bobby Witt Jr. grounded into two double plays in a single game for the third time in his career, stalling potential scoring opportunities for Kansas City.

Up Next

The series continues as Tigers right-hander Chris Paddack (4-11, 5.10 ERA) faces off against Royals right-hander Michael Wacha (8-9, 3.34 ERA) in the next matchup.

In summary

The Detroit Tigers showcased resilience and a potent offense to overcome the Kansas City Royals 7-5, keyed by Zach McKinstry's near-cycle and Riley Greene’s milestone home run. Strong bullpen work and smart base running allowed Detroit to claim their eighth win in nine games, while the Royals saw their own power streak continued by Vinnie Pasquantino. As both teams look ahead to their next matchup, fans can expect another spirited contest in this entertaining MLB series.

Related Links

• Kansas City Royals News & Updates
• Kansas City Royals Schedule & Scores
• Detroit Tigers News & Updates
• Detroit Tigers Schedule & Scores
• MLB News