Royals One Year Ago: 9-6 Game 4 Win Over Astros Featured Historic Rally

An Early Lead

The Royals did stake Ventura to an early 2-0 lead in the game when Salvador Perez launched a two-run bomb in the second inning. But, Ventura quickly surrendered the margin by allowing solo home runs to Carlos Gomez in the second and Carlos Correa in the third.

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The game settled into a pitcher’s duel between Ventura and Houston starter Lance McCullers until the bottom of the fifth inning. Ventura surrendered what looked like a crippling run by allowing a two-out walk to George Springer followed by a double to Carlos Correa.

Ventura looked like he might lose the game, despite a credible start. Yes, he gave up three runs, but he struck out eight while allowing four hits and walking three. McCullers, meanwhile, held Kansas City to two runs in 6.1 innings while striking out seven.

Gore’s Big Mistake

The Royals blew what appeared a good scoring chance in the seventh when McCullers hit Perez on the elbow with one out. Will Harris relieved McCullers. Terrance Gore ran for Perez and stole second, but Harris struck out Alex Gordon. Then Terrance Gore attempted to steal third with two outs. Umpires initially ruled him safe, but replay showed that Gore had momentarily lifted his foot from the bag after beating the throw. On a ticky tacky call, Kansas City had give away an out with the tying run in scoring position.