Astros Rally Past Royals After Rain Delay

Jose Altuve of the Astros celebrating a home run against the Royals

Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images

June 13, 2026

Astros 8, Royals 7

The Houston Astros defeated the Kansas City Royals 8–7 Saturday night at Kauffman Stadium, erasing a four-run deficit and scoring the game’s final five runs to complete the comeback victory.

Jose Altuve delivered a game-tying two-run home run after a lengthy rain delay, and the Astros rallied late to secure a comeback victory over the Royals and clinch the series.

Astros – Royals Game Summary

For much of the night, the Astros found themselves chasing the game after the Royals built an early lead. Timely hitting and a productive sixth inning helped the Royals stay in control. The Astros struggled to string together consistent rallies early, but several key swings kept them within striking distance.

The Royals opened the scoring in the second inning and added two more runs in the third. The Astros responded in the fourth when Yordan Alvarez singled ahead of Christian Walker‘s two-run home run to left field. The blast cut the deficit to one run.

Lane Thomas answered with a solo home run in the bottom half of the inning. Jake Meyers responded in the sixth with a solo homer of his own to pull the Astros closer. Later in the inning, Brice Matthews singled and helped create additional pressure, but the Astros could not take advantage.

The game appeared to swing heavily toward the Royals in the sixth. Michael Massey doubled and Thomas walked before Carter Jensen cleared the bases with a three-run double. The hit extended the Royals’ lead to 7–3. Matthews helped limit the damage by throwing out Jensen at home plate as part of an inning-ending double play.

A rain delay lasting one hour and 31 minutes paused the game in the eighth inning with the Astros trailing by two runs. When play resumed, Isaac Paredes was hit by a pitch to begin the inning. Altuve followed with a game-tying two-run home run.

The Astros completed the comeback in the ninth. Joey Loperfido reached base with a pinch-hit walk and moved into scoring position on a single by Alvarez. Walker then put the ball in play, and an errant Royals throw allowed Loperfido to score the go-ahead run.

The relief corps took care of the rest. Bryan King retired the side in the eighth to keep the game tied. Abreu worked through a tense ninth inning after Bobby Witt Jr. doubled into scoring position. On the next batter, Peña turned a game-ending double play to secure the victory and complete the comeback.

What Went Right for the Astros

Jose Altuve

The Astros entered the eighth inning trailing by four runs and needed a spark. After a one-hour, 31-minute rain delay, Paredes was hit by a pitch to bring Altuve to the plate.

Altuve responded with a game-tying two-run home run that erased the deficit and shifted the momentum. The swing energized the Astros and changed the direction of the game during a night in which they had spent most of the time playing from behind.

The Astros Kept Fighting Back

The Astros consistently answered throughout the game. Walker’s two-run homer in the fourth cut into the deficit, and Meyers added a solo shot in the sixth after the Royals extended their lead.

Those timely swings kept the Astros within striking distance and prevented the game from slipping away. By continuing to chip away at the deficit, the Astros gave themselves a chance to rally late.

Defense Came Through in Key Moments

The defense played a major role in the victory. In the sixth inning, Brice Matthews threw out Carter Jensen at home plate to end the inning and prevent another run from scoring.

The Astros delivered again in the ninth. After Bobby Witt Jr. doubled into scoring position, Jeremy Peña turned a game-ending double play to seal the comeback victory. Those two defensive plays proved crucial in a one-run game.

What Went Wrong for the Astros

The Sixth Inning

The Astros entered the bottom of the sixth leading by one run before the Royals took a two-run lead.

Salvador Perez singled, Michael Massey doubled, Lane Thomas walked, and Carter Jensen delivered a bases-clearing double to flip the score. The inning forced the Astros into comeback mode for the remainder of the game.

Missed Chances Early

The Astros put runners on base throughout the middle innings but struggled to convert those opportunities into runs.

Singles from Jeremy Peña and Yordan Alvarez created a scoring chance in the fifth, but the Astros came away empty. The late rally ultimately masked several missed opportunities earlier in the game.

Starting Pitching Faced Constant Pressure

Mike Burrows battled into the sixth inning, but the Royals consistently created traffic on the bases.

The Royals collected several timely hits, including RBI knocks from Michael Massey and Vinnie Pasquantino before Carter Jensen’s three-run double. Burrows kept the Astros within reach, but the offense spent much of the night trying to overcome the deficit.

Quick Hits

Christian Walker launched his 18th home run of the season.
Jake Meyers added his third home run of the year and played in his 500th career game.
Bryan Abreu recorded the final two outs to secure the victory.

What’s Next

The Astros conclude their series against the Royals on Sunday at Kauffman Stadium. First pitch is scheduled for 1:10 p.m. Central.

The Astros are expected to start Spencer Arrighetti, who enters with a 7-1 record, 2.21 ERA, and 53 strikeouts. The Royals are projected to counter with Stephen Kolek, who owns a 3-1 record, 3.14 ERA, and 30 strikeouts.