Royals vs Cubs on MLB on FOX gave fans everything they wanted in a summer baseball showdown. From early power hitting to late-inning suspense, both teams delivered a thrilling performance at Wrigley Field.
The Kansas City Royals, still fighting to gain ground in the American League Central, came into the game looking to build consistency. The Chicago Cubs, in front of their home fans, were hoping to stay close in the National League Wild Card chase.
Let’s break down the top 5 MLB highlights from this exciting game.
Royals vs Cubs Highlight 1: Royals Strike First with Back-to-Back Doubles
The Royals wasted no time getting on the scoreboard. In the top of the first inning, Bobby Witt Jr. led off with a sharp double into the left-field corner. On the next pitch, Vinnie Pasquantino followed up with another double down the right-field line, scoring Witt easily.
The back-to-back doubles silenced the Wrigley crowd early and gave the Royals a 1-0 lead. It was a textbook example of aggressive hitting from the top of Kansas City’s lineup and set the tone for the game.
Royals vs Cubs Highlight 2: Cubs Answer with Two-Run Blast in the Third
The Cubs were quick to respond. After struggling through the first two innings, Christopher Morel stepped up in the bottom of the third. With a runner on and a full count, Morel crushed a fastball over the left-center wall.
The two-run homer sent the crowd into a frenzy and gave the Cubs a 2-1 lead. It was Morel’s 17th home run of the season and a reminder of his ability to change the game with one swing.
This highlight shifted the momentum and re-energized the Chicago dugout.
Royals vs Cubs Highlight 3: Pitching Duel Takes Over in the Middle Innings
After the early scoring, both starting pitchers began to settle in. For Kansas City, Cole Ragans retired eight of nine batters between the fourth and sixth innings, mixing fastballs and changeups effectively.
On the other side, Kyle Hendricks used his signature control to keep Royals hitters off balance. He worked through seven innings, allowing just five hits and one walk while striking out four.
This middle stretch of dominant pitching kept the game tight and made every pitch feel more important.
Royals vs Cubs Highlight 4: Royals Tie It with Smart Base Running
In the top of the seventh inning, the Royals took advantage of a small opening. After a leadoff single and sacrifice bunt, Maikel Garcia hit a soft ground ball to second. The Cubs got the out at first, but MJ Melendez raced home from second, sliding just ahead of the throw to tie the game 2-2.
It was a smart, aggressive move that paid off. The Royals bench erupted, knowing how crucial the run was. This play was not about power, but about strategy and hustle the kind of baseball fans love to see.
Royals vs Cubs Highlight 5: Cubs Walk It Off in Dramatic Ninth
With the score tied heading into the bottom of the ninth, Cubs fans were hoping for a storybook ending and they got it. After a leadoff single by Ian Happ, the Royals brought in a reliever to face Dansby Swanson.
Swanson worked a 2-1 count and then delivered the moment of the night a line-drive double into the left-field gap. Happ raced around third and scored standing up, giving the Cubs a 3-2 walk-off win.
The team stormed the field, and the Wrigley crowd exploded in celebration. It was a perfect finish to a tightly contested game.
Royals vs Cubs Box Score Summary
Final Score:
Cubs 3, Royals 2
Top Performers:
- Christopher Morel: 1 HR, 2 RBIs
- Kyle Hendricks: 7 IP, 5 H, 1 ER
- Dansby Swanson: Game-winning double in the 9th
- Vinnie Pasquantino: 2-for-4, 1 RBI
What This Game Means for Both Teams
For the Chicago Cubs, this win was more than just another game in July. It kept them within striking distance in the National League playoff picture and gave their fans something to cheer about as the team pushes through the dog days of summer.
The Cubs’ ability to stay patient, get timely hits, and rely on their pitching shows they remain a serious postseason contender.
For the Kansas City Royals, the loss stings but there were bright spots. The starting pitching continues to improve, and the offense found creative ways to score. With young talent like Bobby Witt Jr. leading the way, Kansas City has pieces to build on for the future.
Even in defeat, their fight and effort were clear.
Final Thoughts
Royals vs Cubs lived up to the hype on MLB on FOX, offering fans a blend of power hitting, tactical baseball, and edge-of-your-seat drama. Whether it was Morel’s home run or Swanson’s walk-off double, every moment mattered.
Both teams showed why baseball remains one of the most unpredictable and exciting sports. Games like these remind us that in baseball, it’s never over until the final pitch.
As the season moves toward the playoff stretch, don’t be surprised if both the Royals and Cubs keep playing spoiler or rising stars in the league’s biggest moments.
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