Rangers Drop Spring Finale to Royals

Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images

March 25, 2025

Royals 3, Rangers 1

ARLINGTON, Texas (Mar. 25) — The Texas Rangers fell to the Kansas City Royals, 3–1, in their spring finale on Tuesday afternoon. The lone highlight for the Rangers was an RBI double by Jonah Heim. With spring training in the books, the Rangers will shift their focus on opening the regular season against the Boston Red Sox, as part of a four-game set, at Globe Life Field on Thursday afternoon with first pitch scheduled for 3:05 pm Central. Lefty Garrett Crochet will get the ball for the Red Sox, while right-hander Nathan Eovaldi will take the mound for the Rangers.

Game Summary

The Royals got on the board right away in the top of the first against Rangers starter Jacob deGrom. After back-to-back flyouts by Jonathan India and Bobby Witt Jr., Michael Massey lined a double to right. He scored moments later on a single to center by Salvador Perez.

The Rangers tied the game at one run apiece in the bottom of the second off Royals starter Kris Bubic. Adolis Garcia led off the inning with a double to center. On deck was Kevin Pillar, who advanced Garcia to third with a single to right. Pillar was caught stealing second before Josh Smith struck out swinging. That brought Heim to the plate, who plated Garcia with a double to right.

The Royals took a 3–1 lead in the top of the fourth. Massey led off with a single to center. Luca Tresh entered the game as a pinch-runner for Massey. On deck was Perez, who launched a two-run homer over the wall in center.

What Went Right for the Royals

The highlight of the afternoon for the Royals was Perez’ homer that gave them the lead in the fourth. As a manager, it is a very good thing when you have power bats like Perez in your lineup.

What Went Wrong for the Royals

The only setback the Royals had all afternoon was the RBI double by Heim in the second. From that point on, the Rangers’ bats were silent.

Royals Pitching Notes

Royals starter Kris Bubic pitched very well on Tuesday afternoon. He went five innings, surrendering one earned run on five hits. He also walked one and struck out eight in that stretch, earning the win in the process. That brings his final record for the spring to 2–1 with an ERA of 5.40.

Left-hander Sam Long tossed a perfect ninth, earning his only save of the spring.

Rangers Pitching Notes

deGrom took the loss on Tuesday, bringing his record to 1–2 with an ERA of 4.50 for the spring. He tossed four innings, giving up three runs, all earned, on four hits. One of those hits was the Perez homer.

Despite deGrom’s struggles, the Rangers were given a consolation prize courtesy of their bullpen. Righty Kumar Rocker, who will begin the year in the starting rotation, had a very good day on the mound. He pitched four innings in relief, giving up three hits and three walks. He had eight strikeouts on the afternoon as well.

Bochy’s Postgame Comments

After the game, Rangers manager Bruce Bochy gave his thoughts on deGrom’s afternoon. “I thought he threw well”, Bochy said. “His slider stayed in the middle, but it was a good effort. We got what we wanted out of him, around 70 pitches. He and (Kumar) Rocker are set to start the season.”