KANSAS CITY, Mo. — Jacob Lopez was the latest pitcher to stifle the Kansas City Royals, delivering six strong innings with just three hits allowed, as the Athletics cruised to a 4-0 victory on Saturday. Max Muncy and Lawrence Butler each knocked a home run, contributing significantly to Kansas City’s current struggles.
Lopez, notching his second career win, struck out nine and walked one batter. His previous big league victory was on October 1, 2023, when he conceded five runs while pitching for the Rays against Toronto. Since being recalled from Triple-A Las Vegas, he had recorded an 0-3 start with a 6.88 ERA over three appearances.
Michael Kelly provided relief with two impeccable innings, while Hogan Harris wrapped up a four-hitter for Oakland. Muncy’s contribution came after Tyler Soderstrom’s leadoff walk in the second inning, launching his fifth homer of the year into the Athletics’ bullpen off Royals’ starter Michael Lorenzen. Lawrence Butler later homered in the seventh against reliever Daniel Lynch IV.
Lorenzen, now with a 4-7 record, yielded three runs across four hits and four walks in six innings, striking out four. The Royals’ performance has been lackluster, dropping the first five games of their homestand after a Yankee sweep and subsequent losses to the Athletics. They’ve suffered defeat in seven of their last eight contests and 13 of their past 16 games at Kauffman Stadium.
In contrast, the Athletics have found some rhythm. They arrived in Kansas City after losing 13 of their previous 16 games, including a series sweep by the Angels where they allowed 15 runs. Muncy’s homer off an 85 mph slider from Lorenzen proved pivotal, providing Oakland with all the offense needed.
A telling statistic underscores Kansas City’s woes—having been shut out in two of their last three games.
In the series finale, the Athletics will send LHP Jeffrey Springs (5-5, 4.64 ERA) to the mound on Sunday, while the Royals look for LHP Noah Cameron (2-2, 2.17) to rebound after a tough outing against the Yankees.